Is Neil Young's Harvest the best Cdn. album ever?

[Jesse Joe]

http://www.human-highway.org/pages/album/H.jpg


http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/04/18/NEIL_YOUNG_wideweb__470x331,2.jpg



Is Neil Young's Harvest the best Cdn. album ever?

N.B. author ranks the top classics in Canadian music


THE CANADIAN PRESS Published Thursday October 18th, 2007


Neil Young's classic disc "Harvest" tops a list of the 100 best Canadian albums, according to a new coffee-table book coming out today.
New Brunswick author and music lover Bob Mersereau polled nearly 600 musicians, critics, DJs and retailers to come up with a ranking of the country's best-loved discs for his book, "The Top 100 Canadian Albums" (Goose Lane Editions).
Joni Mitchell's "Blue" comes in at number 2, followed by Young's "After the Gold Rush." Rounding out the top five are the Band's "Music From Big Pink" and the Tragically Hip's "Fully Completely."
Mersereau admits the poll results are very much a "snapshot" of today's Canadian tastes rather than a definitive statement on the history of Canuck rock, and that the list will undoubtedly raise debate among anyone passionate about music.
"That's the whole fun," Mersereau says.
"The important part is to talk about Canadian music and enjoy it. This was tried to be a consensus of as many music people and music fans and big serious listeners across the country that have definite opinions. I'd be shocked if there wasn't complaints and arguments and debates. Half of my (own) list didn't make it."
A quick glance at the book reveals several repeat appearances by well-loved Canadian artists: Young comes up eight times, while the Guess Who, Mitchell and GORDON LIGHTFOOT each have five albums on the list. The Tragically Hip have four, while Sloan have three.
"I think it's legitimate that there are so many repeats.
I can't argue with any of these artists. I might prefer one over the other but I think it's really good to see albums like Joni Mitchell's 'Hissing of Summer Lawns,' which was career suicide when it came out," says Mersereau, a music writer and longtime arts reporter.
The tabulation was fairly simple, Mersereau explains in the introduction to the book, which also includes album artwork and new interviews with many of the musicians.
Each juror was asked to send in a list of their top 10 discs, using whatever criteria they wished. Each number 1 pick was awarded 10 points, with the number 2 choice given nine points, and so on.
A total of 580 responses were tallied, and Mersereau says he took pains to make sure they were drawn from a range of ages, regions and backgrounds.
"I didn't want this to be a music nerd book ... I wanted this to be something different," he adds.
"I wanted popularity to be in it, too, because we are talking about pop music even if it is Oscar Peterson or Glenn Gould. What's popular, what people want, what people like, that is often scorned in critical circles, yet there's a reason things are popular and there's a reason things stay popular like the Guess Who or April Wine. They have the ability to make us feel great and they become important memories for us through our whole lives."
Amid the classics are some modern sensations. Montreal supergroup the Arcade Fire come in at number 8 with 2004's "Funeral," while Broken Social Scene's 2002 disc "You Forgot It in People" lands at 28 and Feist's 2004 disc "Let It Die" is number 43.
"It wasn't just young people that were doing the votes for that, I had people like Stuart McLean, a CBC broadcaster, voting for Arcade Fire. Shocked me. I didn't know Stuart was that hip, but sure is."
Music lovers can debate their own favourites during a series of book launches to be held across the country over the next week.
Mersereau promises that a stop in Halifax this weekend will feature a special musical guest from the list.

[podunklander]

Mersereau admits the poll results are very much a "snapshot" of today's Canadian tastes rather than a definitive statement on the history of Canuck rock, and that the list will undoubtedly raise debate among anyone passionate about music.

The above statement references the "history of Canuck rock" and not Canadian music in general...and certainly for me, when I consider Canuck rock, Neil Young IS #1 and of all his albums, Harvest is my personal favorite.

The poll results on the otherhand, I would consider to be much less of a "snapshot"

"That's the whole fun," Mersereau says.
"The important part is to talk about Canadian music and enjoy it. This was tried to be a consensus of as many music people and music fans and big serious listeners across the country that have definite opinions. I'd be shocked if there wasn't complaints and arguments and debates. Half of my (own) list didn't make it."

The tabulation was fairly simple, Mersereau explains in the introduction to the book, which also includes album artwork and new interviews with many of the musicians.
Each juror was asked to send in a list of their top 10 discs, using whatever criteria they wished. Each number 1 pick was awarded 10 points, with the number 2 choice given nine points, and so on.

A total of 580 responses were tallied, and Mersereau says he took pains to make sure they were drawn from a range of ages, regions and backgrounds.

Well, the poll was not only fairly simple, but utterly unscientific. 580 responses from (all?) over Canada is hardly representative of Canadian music (or rock music) choices. The author refers to the poll results as a, "snapshot" "of today's Canadian tastes" ...so unless people who were polled were asked about their past preferences at a certain period of time, or over time...the results would be based on current (today's) preferences.

If the poll had considered past choices, say in the past 30 years, this of course would have excluded those jurors who were not born yet or who were too young.

For Canadian jurors to choose Neil Young's, Harvest as #1 for Canadian rock music today, doesn't surprise me in the very least. If the poll was to be a reflection of Canadian music in general and not just rock...then I would have to say the results would have been different...and we'd probably see "Gord's Gold" as #1!

Pam

[Jesse Joe]

Hi Pam {podunklander},

I beleive this my first contact w/ you. Your probably right for Gord's Gold. Neil Young is also a great Canadian singer songwriter. There are lots of them out there...Canadian eh !

Are you from the Boston area ? If so are the Red Sox done ? I hope not, I myself am a big Blue Jays fan, Matt Stairs Fav player...

All the best,


~Jesse Joe~ :)

[Borderstone]

Nothing against Neil Young of course but ,i can't believe #1 isn't "Sundown". :rolleyes:

I'm not big on today's music polls. They ask mostly young people and you know how they'll vote. Most don't know classic artists.

[Jesse Joe]

Right On, Borderstone... What can one do ? :)

[podunklander]

Hi Pam {podunklander},

I beleive this my first contact w/ you. Your probably right for Gord's Gold. Neil Young is also a great Canadian singer songwriter. There are lots of them out there...Canadian eh !

Are you from the Boston area ? If so are the Red Sox done ? I hope not, I myself am a big Blue Jays fan, Matt Stairs Fav player...

All the best,


~Jesse Joe~ :)

Hi back :) Jesse Joe

No, not in Boston...but am a Baystater, born and raised. Lived in a small town about 75 or so miles SW of Beantown. I've been in Connecticut (Eastern part, which is Red Sox Nation) since 1986 :(. But we won't talk about what happened in 1986 and I can't talk about the Red Sox right now!

But you can have Mike Timlin back now hehe. My son actually just gave me his Topps 1993 and I have it right here...next to Gord's last promo photo. My son also gave me Manny's rookie card!

OK...back to Neil Young! btw, what do you think of his rendition of "Four Strong Winds"? 1st time I went to a Neil Young concert was in 1981 or 82...Tanglewood, he was with the Shocking Pinks. Next time was also in Massachusetts...at the Worcester 'Cementrum', Trans album. Then I saw him back at Tanglewood with the Blue Notes.

He'll be here in Connecticut in December, but I haven't gotten tix yet.

Oh - my son and I got to meet Mike Timlin! And some other players on Easter Sunday, 2003. I got to shake Mike's hand (right!)...which was a thrill I'll never forget!

WOW I just remembered I may have pix from one of the Neil Young concerts! If I find them, I'll post them!

Pam

[Jesse Joe]

Great pix podunklander,

Im sorry not too familiar with Mike Timlin. Neil Young's version of Ian Tyson's ( Great Canadian songwriter & good friend of our Poet Genius) " Four Strong Winds ", was FAR OUT. :)

[podunklander]

Great pix podunklander,

Im sorry not too familiar with Mike Timlin. Neil Young's version of Ian Tyson's ( Great Canadian songwriter & good friend of our Poet Genius) " Four Strong Winds ", was FAR OUT. :)

oooooooooohhhhhhh Timlin is a very important part of the history of your favorite team ;) you must check out 1992 and 1993 :) !!!!!!

I saw Ian Tyson alot when I spent a week in Elko, NV in 2003...but I didn't know it was him until I saw his photo in a mailing from the Western Folklife Center. The Western Folklife Center hosts the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. He'll be there again in 2008, and in addition to performing, he'll be co-hosting a two-part songwriting workshop with Tom Russell.

Pam

[Yuri]

Send the Indians to 'Cherokee Bend'!! Go Sox!!!

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2926/redsoxlogo1024xb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

As my wife is from the Boston area, I had a quick indoctrination in Redsox Nation!

Yuri

[podunklander]

YIKES!! shhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yuri! Not so loud...we wouldn't want to awaken the Bambino!

[podunklander]

Jesse Joe,

I scanned the Timlin card my son gave me. Well, although I've always been a Sox fan, I've only been following more closely since 2003 (good timing, actually). We went to 2 games in 2003 and 1 in 2004. Now it's almost impossible to get tix!

When we went on Easter Sunday in 2003..I only decided to go the day before and was able to buy tix online! Don't know if that'll ever happen again!

That game, if I recall right, the Sox played the Jays. My son and I talked about possibly going to Toronto this past season to catch a Sox/Jays game...but the Sox fans have been behaving much like Lightfoot fans :) and hitting the road! it's almost impossible to get tix for road games.

Anyway...I'm not familiar with the entire team roster for the Sox for every year and especially for anything over say, 5 years ago, I can't keep up -my son does though so if I want to know something, I just ask him! hehe

Timlin has performed well as a closing pitcher...but has been on the DL list most of the 2007 season.

Well, much appreciate the Canadians for sending Timlin back down to the States! And in addition to Lightfoot, Neil Young, Joni, etc., all the wonderful Canadian music, I'm also grateful to Canada for giving us Tim Horton's! ;) Have one, two towns from here! I buy a can every week...drinking a cup right now!

oooops! Well, I have nearly 300 years of Canadian roots so I guess I'm also thanking all you cousins, eh? hehe

Pam

[Jesse Joe]

Nice pic of Timlin Pam,

I too followed the Jays back when they won 2 World Series, Joe Carter days. But had lost interest the years after. But I do recall Mike Timlin a bit. This year I got back on to following The Jays because of Matt Stairs who is from Fredericton,(Saint-John), N.B. Me being a New-Brunswicker, really enjoyed watching him, 21 home runs this season. I think they will be interesting to follow next season...

Lots of Tim Horton's down here in Moncton. When the ECMA{East Coast Music Awards} were in Moncton a few years back it was fiddle player Natalie MacMaster who said at the awards, " I never saw so many Tim's in one city"...lol

There's a saying down here they will build a Tim Horton first, and then a town around it . :biggrin:

[SilverHeels]

Red Sox? DIE BOSTON, DIE!!!! ;)

[podunklander]

Red Sox? DIE BOSTON, DIE!!!! ;)

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ok I gotto go work on the 'ritual' b4 2nites game.

PS (you are now in that ritual SilverHeels! ;))

[SilverHeels]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ok I gotto go work on the 'ritual' b4 2nites game.

PS (you are now in that ritual SilverHeels! ;))

Heee-heee--heee ... I shall out there casting spells and chanting ... ;)

[podunklander]

Heee-heee--heee ... I shall out there casting spells and chanting ... ;)

:eek: no sah! you bettah nawt!

[podunklander]

Nice pic of Timlin Pam,

I too followed the Jays back when they won 2 World Series, Joe Carter days. But had lost interest the years after. But I do recall Mike Timlin a bit. This year I got back on to following The Jays because of Matt Stairs who is from Fredericton, N.B. Me being a New-Brunswicker, really enjoyed watching him, 20 home runs this season. I think they will be interesting to follow next season...

Lots of Tim Horton's down here in Moncton. When the ECMA{East Coast Music Awards} were in Moncton a few years back it was fiddle player Natalie MacMaster who said at the awards, " I never saw so many Tim's in one city"...lol

There's a saying down here they will build a Tim Horton first, and then a town around it . :biggrin:

Thanks Jesse Joe!

I was thrilled when my son gave me that card! btw, I have a vintage Blue Jays sweatshirt given to me by a Canadian back around 92/93 :). We (my son and I) consider the Jays are 2nd favorite ball club.

Funny! Must be a Tim Horton's at every corner in Moncton huh? Makes me want to buy a franchise! Or just one store would do! I was in NB for GL's show in St. John. Did you go? I thought it was great that a Tim Horton's was just a hop, skip and a jump (if even) from the border. And there was also one at the venue. I also stopped at the one by the border, before heading back over..and claimed my cup of Tim Horton's coffee at customs.

Also, found that I like the bottled Canadian spring water they have. Love their little sandwiches, but I've been avoiding the donuts :biggrin: (so far)

From what little I've seen of NB, I loved it! Charming! I have a couple of uncles that were born/raised in NB. My Uncle Nelson is a big GL fan (but won't go to concerts).

Anyway, I'll have to ask my son about Matt Stairs and I'll try to follow...sounds like he's been great!

Pam

[SilverHeels]

:eek: no sah! you bettah nawt!

:D but I do LOVE New England ...

[Jesse Joe]

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_122644.jpghttp://mlb.mlb.com/images/2007/06/10/ATxgBAYt.jpg

Matt Stairs





http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=tor

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=tor

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=122644

[charlene]

I loves Matt! - I call him "Stumpy"..he's built like a brick and is a great player. He's a grinder fer sure.
LOVED Timlin back in the day too..
and of course I love my Timmy's..had one today..large decaf.double double! Triple D !!
lol
Here in small town Whitby we have 8 or 9 (maybe 10) Tim's for 100,000 folks..
Plus about 30 other assorted coffee shoppes..

[Kathy Number Four]

There's a saying down here they will build a Tim Horton first, and then a town around it . :biggrin:

I wondered what "Tim Horton's" was... being from California, I had never heard of it. So I did a web search. I gather Tim Horton's is Canada's answer to Starbuck's (one of which we have on just about every street corner here :) !

[podunklander]

:D but I do LOVE New England ...

well lucky for you :biggrin: ...I thought today was Saturday, so the games not until tomorrow! That gives us enough time to paint them heels red! hehe Then we can talk about how much you love New England lol :clap: hehe

[podunklander]

My son had always been annoyed with the Dunkin' Donuts commercial that says, "America Runs on Dunkin' Donuts"..he said it's false advertising. I'd have to agree with him! We've driven x-country and never saw one Dunkin' Donuts after Ohio!

Now the Canadian invasion is taking hold hehe. We have just a few Tim Horton's here in Connecticut, and I feel very fortunate to have one just 2 exits away (about 10 miles).

But last month...when my friend and I went to the Falls after the GL concerts, etc., there were TONS of Tim Horton's in NY until after Albany (heading back to New England).

Yeh and I want to meet this guy, Tim Horton and give him a hug hehe.

Thanks for the pics and links Jesse Joe - appreciate the heads up on Matt Stairs.

Hey Kathy Number Four...how about sending us some 2 Buck Chucks and we'll send you some Tim Horton's coffee??? :biggrin:

[charlene]

Tim Horton was a Toronto Maple Leaf hockey player and was traded to Buffalo. He was speeding in his sports car and crashed it in 1974. He and a partner had just started up a small coffee shop in Hamilton in 1964. His partner turned it into a huge company and several years ago it was bought by the burger chain in the U.S. called Wendy's. We have them up here too.
In the Mike Myers movie "Wayne's World" the coffee/donut shoppe was supposed to be named Tim Horton's but they wouldn't allow it so it was called something else. Mike loves his Leafs. He was at the game last saturday and given a Leaf jersey with "Love Guru" on the back and he tossed out the ceremonial 'first puck' at the start of the game.
Tim Horton/Leafs hockey/double double/roll up the rim..it's all good..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hortons

[Jesse Joe]

http://myhero.com/images/guest/g40132/hero35837/g40132_u37866_Tim_horton.jpg



http://www.timhortons.com/en/index.html



http://www.hockeyheritagenorth.ca/players/HORTON-Tim.html

[Jesse Joe]

I wondered what "Tim Horton's" was... being from California, I had never heard of it. So I did a web search. I gather Tim Horton's is Canada's answer to Starbuck's (one of which we have on just about every street corner here :) !


Hi Kathy Number Four,

To answer your question, {YES} "Tim Horton Donuts" is like your Starbuck's...:)

[Jesse Joe]

Tim Horton was a Toronto Maple Leaf hockey player and was traded to Buffalo. He was speeding in his sports car and crashed it in 1974. He and a partner had just started up a small coffee shop in Hamilton in 1964. His partner turned it into a huge company and several years ago it was bought by the burger chain in the U.S. called Wendy's. We have them up here too.
In the Mike Myers movie "Wayne's World" the coffee/donut shoppe was supposed to be named Tim Horton's but they wouldn't allow it so it was called something else. Mike loves his Leafs. He was at the game last saturday and given a Leaf jersey with "Love Guru" on the back and he tossed out the ceremonial 'first puck' at the start of the game.
Tim Horton/Leafs hockey/double double/roll up the rim..it's all good..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Hortons

Hi Char,

I did not know that about the movie, "Wayne's World." But I did get to see Mike at The ACC Saturday night, your right about Mike loving his Leafs. And we all love Mike Myers... A good canuck eh ! :)

[Kathy Number Four]

Hey Kathy Number Four...how about sending us some 2 Buck Chucks and we'll send you some Tim Horton's coffee??? :biggrin:

It's a deal :biggrin: !! What??? No Trader Joe's back there??? :eek:

[Kathy Number Four]

In the Mike Myers movie "Wayne's World" the coffee/donut shoppe was supposed to be named Tim Horton's but they wouldn't allow it so it was called something else.

In the original "Wayne's World", the scene where they're out cruising at night in fictional downtown Dacron, Ohio (the "Grey Poupon" scene), was filmed in downtown Covina, CA (where I live). It was pretty exciting at the time :eek: :clap: !

[podunklander]

It's a deal :biggrin: !! What??? No Trader Joe's back there??? :eek:

LOL I love Trader Joe's! I used to go to the one in Milford, CT...outside of New Haven (about 70 miles), but last year one opened up in West Hartford (30 miles). None of the Connecticut stores sell alcohol, so no 2 buck Chucks!

The closest TJ's that sells the wine is in Framingham, Mass...outside of Boston. I went there and bought a case a couple of years ago and gave bottles out with XMas presents (saving one for myself ;).

If you seriously would like a can of Tim Horton's, I'll send you a can no problem! Perhaps instead of a bottle of wine, in exchange you could send me a container of TJ's organic dark chocolate covered espresso beans :biggrin: (thanks to a small serving last Saturday, I had enough energy to spend 5 hours cleaning my basement ;))

Pam

[vlmagee]

Go Rockies!

Actually, I am a Yankees fan, because John and Doug are, but as long as I am stuck in Colorado, I may as well go with the flow. And, as a Yankees fan, I am an anti-Red Sox fan, although John is actually rooting for the Sox, so they can lose to the Rockies. Yeah, that sounds good.

Good thing Cathy isn't spending much time here. She is a Red Sox fan.

Oh, and "Kathy Number Four", I think Gord only had two, and they were "Cathy with a C", to quote Gord when he first met our Cathy Cowette.

[SilverHeels]

Hey Val,
as a novice Yankee fan all I can say is ...
DIE BOSTON, DIE and Go, Rockies, Go!
:))

[podunklander]

WAHWAH...you will all soon be crying, just like Joe Torre :( hehe

GO SOX :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Kathy Number Four]

Oh, and "Kathy Number Four", I think Gord only had two, and they were "Cathy with a C", to quote Gord when he first met our Cathy Cowette.

I was just going by what Gordon told me personally: "I've been married to three Cathy's" (although I realize he was using the term "married" in the loosest possible sense). Could there have been another one since he met Cathy Cowette... or is he COUNTING her?? :confused: Either he lost count, or I'm gonna have to change my screen name :) ! Oh well, at least he always remembers my name whenever he sees me, and that makes me very happy :biggrin: !!!

[Kathy Number Four]

LOL I love Trader Joe's! I used to go to the one in Milford, CT...outside of New Haven (about 70 miles), but last year one opened up in West Hartford (30 miles). None of the Connecticut stores sell alcohol, so no 2 buck Chucks!

The closest TJ's that sells the wine is in Framingham, Mass...outside of Boston. I went there and bought a case a couple of years ago and gave bottles out with XMas presents (saving one for myself ;).

If you seriously would like a can of Tim Horton's, I'll send you a can no problem! Perhaps instead of a bottle of wine, in exchange you could send me a container of TJ's organic dark chocolate covered espresso beans :biggrin: (thanks to a small serving last Saturday, I had enough energy to spend 5 hours cleaning my basement ;))

Pam

That sounds like a deal to me!!! (Then I can find out if Tim Horton's is as good as Starbuck's or Peet's ;) .) I LOVE those espresso beans too... once you start eating them, it's hard to stop, then you're awake for three days :eek: !! PM me with your address and I'll ship 'em right out. Wish I could send you some Two Buck Chuck too, except it would cost about TEN bucks in postage :eek: !!!)

[podunklander]

That sounds like a deal to me!!! (Then I can find out if Tim Horton's is as good as Starbuck's or Peet's ;) .) I LOVE those espresso beans too... once you start eating them, it's hard to stop, then you're awake for three days :eek: !! PM me with your address and I'll ship 'em right out. Wish I could send you some Two Buck Chuck too, except it would cost about TEN bucks in postage :eek: !!!)


Got a can right here with your name on it ;) And I best tell you lest I forget...it's fine grind so best with auto/drip. HOWEVER, last week we tried it with the stove-top perculator and were pleased :clap: with the results. If perked, of course expect to find a few grounds in the bottom of your cup. They pretty much stayed at the bottom of the cup, so that's kewl. Those **espresso beans, as you know hehe the grounds end up between your teeth :biggrin:

**I so rarely drink...MUCH prefer the beans and this time around, I'll try to make them last :)

Pam

[Kathy Number Four]

Got a can right here with your name on it ;) And I best tell you lest I forget...it's fine grind so best with auto/drip.

Perfect!! I always grind my beans fine... it makes the coffee stronger, and the stronger the better in my book ;)

Kathy

P.S. We sure have gotten WAAAAAAY off topic here from the originil subject of this thread, haven't we!! :rolleyes: :biggrin:

[SilverHeels]

WAHWAH...you will all soon be crying, just like Joe Torre :( hehe

GO SOX :clap: :clap: :clap:

It was just a lucky break, a fluke! ;)

(Val - where are you?!)
:)

[vlmagee]

Funny thing, but as the game started John asked me who I was going to root for, and I said, "well, I suppose I'll root for the Red Sox". (Remember, the idea is for them to lose to the Rockies). About 30 seconds later, ... well, I don't have to tell you. I have a feeling that the Red Sox will win the ALCS, but we'll get our revenge in the World Series.

I also think the Yankees should sign Schilling. He's a free agent ... and with the money they aren't paying Torre, and won't be paying Arod (I'm pretty sure), they should be able to afford him. I suspect they will be a very different team in 2008.

[podunklander]

I was just going by what Gordon told me personally: "I've been married to three Cathy's" (although I realize he was using the term "married" in the loosest possible sense). Could there have been another one since he met Cathy Cowette... or is he COUNTING her?? :confused: Either he lost count, or I'm gonna have to change my screen name :) ! Oh well, at least he always remembers my name whenever he sees me, and that makes me very happy :biggrin: !!!


You're #1 Kathy...with a "K"!!!!

[podunklander]

Funny thing, but as the game started John asked me who I was going to root for, and I said, "well, I suppose I'll root for the Red Sox". (Remember, the idea is for them to lose to the Rockies). About 30 seconds later, ... well, I don't have to tell you. I have a feeling that the Red Sox will win the ALCS, but we'll get our revenge in the World Series.

I also think the Yankees should sign Schilling. He's a free agent ... and with the money they aren't paying Torre, and won't be paying Arod (I'm pretty sure), they should be able to afford him. I suspect they will be a very different team in 2008.

Schilling would NEVAH sign with the Yankees...don't even think about it!

Very MUCH appreciate you rooting for the SOX :)...thanks! This WILL make for a great WS. But I expect the the SOX WILL ROCK THE ROCKIES :biggrin:

[podunklander]

Back to coffee for a minute here. As much as I love Timmy's....I'm feeling very guilty for partaking because it's not a product of organic, fair trade beans. We really need you Canucks to speak up on this and make it happen!!

It may mean that we'll all pay more, but it is well worth every $. Young children are still picking beans for low or no wages. Adults receive a pultry wage. Babies are being born with birth defects/deformaties because of the chemicals (pesticides) being used. Old and young workers have developed rashes on their arms in particular from picking beans.

Fair trade prices nice, but organic coffee is a must!

Sorry to be a downer, but Starbucks and other shops are slowly switching to fair trade/organic because of the response from the public. Hope all of you up there will follow suit!

Pam

[RM]

Don't have the time....still in mourning over the Yankees demise.

[charlene]

Tim's is now an American company. Tim's used to have fresh doughnuts/pastries etc. but since the takeover they have frozen dough and are smaller! I'm not sure if the shoppes have any "PC" beans or not. Us Canucks trying to change how an American firm does business...hmmm...we'll see how that works out..
;)
They have done some environmental things (see below) and Tim's has always sponsored kids hockey teams. They also have several camps for kids across Canada and in all the communities there are shoppes they are very involved with school programmes, clean-ups of parks etc. These sorts of things were in place before the takeover but prhaps the new ownership will take up the "PC" coffee bean cause..

[podunklander]

Tim's is now an American company. Tim's used to have fresh doughnuts/pastries etc. but since the takeover they have frozen dough and are smaller! I'm not sure if the shoppes have any "PC" beans or not. Us Canucks trying to change how an American firm does business...hmmm...we'll see how that works out..
;)
They have done some environmental things (see below) and Tim's has always sponsored kids hockey teams. They also have several camps for kids across Canada and in all the communities there are shoppes they are very involved with school programmes, clean-ups of parks etc. These sorts of things were in place before the takeover but prhaps the new ownership will take up the "PC" coffee bean cause..

The coffee is "processed" in Canada...not the US.

[SilverHeels]

Don't have the time....still in mourning over the Yankees demise.

RM, we'll get 'em, next time. meanwhile, GO ROCKIES, GO! ;)

[charlene]

I don't know where it's processed but it's bought by the new owners and where they get it is not something I'm aware of.

[podunklander]

I don't know where it's processed but it's bought by the new owners and where they get it is not something I'm aware of.

As most of us consumers aren't, in regards to many more products for sure! Until a couple of years ago...I had no clue that coffee bean plants were sprayed with pesticides, etc. I was on a group tour at a local art museum, viewing a photo exhibit on child labor, and the director/curator discussed all these issues with us. He encouraged us to consider buying only fair trade, organic coffee.

The company that processes/packages Tim Horton's coffee (according to the label on the can) is: TDL Group Corp., Oakville, Ontario L6K 2Y1

[charlene]

TDL is Tim Horton's Distribution Company. They are shippers/truckers/order takers in the warehouse that get the goods to the shoppes.

The coffee is 'blended and roasted' exclusively for the TDL group. Who it is that does the actual processing is a mystery..where the coffee is from originally is also a mystery..

from the Tim Hortons site:

Where does Tim Hortons get its coffee beans from?
Tim Hortons uses a premium blend of 100% Arabica beans from several of the world's renowned coffee-producing regions. Tim Hortons coffee is served within 20 minutes of brewing or it's not served at all. It's that quality and focus on "Always Fresh" that we think makes Tim Hortons coffee our customers' favorite.



Where can I get general information about coffee, the roasting process, etc.?
If you want to learn more about coffee and the coffee industry, a great resource is the Coffee Association of Canada's website at www.coffeeassoc.com . You can find out about the history of coffee, the roasting process, coffee terminology and more.



Do you sell Fair Trade coffee?
It is very important to Tim Hortons that, in all of our dealings, we live up to being a good corporate citizen. We use only credible suppliers and work closely with these suppliers to ensure that coffee growers are treated fairly. Our suppliers practice responsible purchasing methods, dealing in turn with only the most credible growers. They are very involved in teaching growers the best methods of coffee growing, and visit the growing farms on a regular basis to ensure that good farming practices, as well as good human rights practices, are being implemented at these farms. Our own coffee experts also travel to the growing farms to ensure that proper conditions exist for both the coffee and the workers.

While we certainly agree in principle with the aims and goals of Fair Trade coffee, our dilemma is that the growers who belong to the Fair Trade "Certified Co-ops" cannot supply either the volume or the quality of beans that our chain requires for our special blend.

In addition, unlike other "specialty" coffee retailers who sell several different blends of coffee at store level, Tim Hortons has only one blend. So while we do not currently offer a Fair Trade branded coffee, we do pay a premium price for our beans and make every effort to ensure that only the best buying practices are used.

[The Rez]

My vote for Best Canadian Album is [tympani fanfare, please]

Stompin Tom Connors: Variations on the Stomp Board - C#m - Presto section

Re: Baseball . . . I'm holdin' out for Brooklyn

Duke Snyder

[BILLW]

Hi Kathy Number Four,

To answer your question, {YES} "Tim Horton Donuts" is like your Starbuck's...:)


IMNSHO I would say that Tim Horton's places are more like our Dunkin' Donuts than Starbucks. I like the coffee from all three but Tim's and DDs donuts beat the foo-foo pastries in Starbuck's hands down ! Think I'll stop and get some donuts on the way to work and see which dieters I can tempt, LOL.

Bill :)

[Jesse Joe]

Oh! Thank's for correcting that BillW my good man. I had forgotten about Dunkin Donuts, your probably right Tims is more like DD...:)

[charlene]

The doughnuts were better before the takeover...

From what I've seen of the Dunkin'Donuts up here and in the U.S. I'd say Tim's has a nicer ambience..not frou-frou like Starbucks tho..

The signs say TIMS with no apostrophe because of the French signage.
http://www.senserely.com/earnincome-the_name_history_of_tim_hortons.php

[BILLW]

The doughnuts were better before the takeover...

From what I've seen of the Dunkin'Donuts up here and in the U.S. I'd say Tim's has a nicer ambience..not frou-frou like Starbucks tho..

The signs say TIMS with no apostrophe because of the French signage.
http://www.senserely.com/earnincome-the_name_history_of_tim_hortons.php

You are right Char - DDs has NO ambience whatsoever, sort of like a roadside produce stand only they sell donuts or doughnuts. Down here few of the counter people speak English as a first language - so it's sort of point, grab & go. But I digress, my answer to the album question is of course NO. I like Neil's first couple / three albums under his own name and I like his stuff with CSNY but best ? I still vote for DQ as best album ever !

Bill :)

[podunklander]

You are right Char - DDs has NO ambience whatsoever, sort of like a roadside produce stand only they sell donuts or doughnuts. Down here few of the counter people speak English as a first language - so it's sort of point, grab & go. But I digress, my answer to the album question is of course NO. I like Neil's first couple / three albums under his own name and I like his stuff with CSNY but best ? I still vote for DQ as best album ever !

Bill :)

Maryland, right Bill?? I went to a conference in MD a couple of years ago and a few stops at DuDo's. 50 cents a cup less than the same cup in Connecticut!

There is one DuDo's I found that does have ambience...in Traverse City, MI! It's in a original building (there are other chains in original buildings too) and except for the addition of a restroom and modern indoor signage...it's a step back in time. Most of the town has that feel.

I'm not a big foo-foo coffee drinker, but I was addicted to Dunkin Donuts cinnamon coffee. Except now they're flavor shots :( . For foo-foo coffee, I usually stop in Willington Mobil for Green Mountain (organic, fair trade!) coffee and another customer turned me on to mixing flavors :biggrin:. My favorite is cinnamon and carmel.

Anyhoooo, Tim Horton's took over our Bess Eaten donuts...which I do miss! I knew the owner and miss talking to him. And he was so kewl! I used to get the low-fat, raspberry-filled corn muffins (though he would never tell me how many calories were in one of those babies!). One day...they didn't have any and so he took one without the filling and went in the back and filled it for me! :biggrin: From that time on, anytime he was around when I was there he'd take whatever I ordered and embellish it for me with extra frosting, smiley faces :) and that would make my day!! And they had the best double chocolate donuts.

Had been going there since the early 90's when I was in college and I have some fond memories of the place for sure! Like one day, on my way to classes and at the drive-through I ordered a small pizza with black olives and onions! I hadn't realized what I had just said until I heard..."uh, we don't have that here"!

From then on, whenever I ordered and they'd ask if there was anything else, I'd always joke around and say like, "yeh, and some new tires for my car". hehe

Since I've become a familiar face at Tim Horton's...we're all joking around a little more and I even got some 'perks'! The manager gave me a dozen or so cups and covers to go along with the can I had bought for the campground on my way to Michigan last month (to a GL concert :biggrin:). I think he only agreed to give them to me (free, though I offered to pay) after I told him we were going to see Lightfoot ;). He is a fan and has gone to some GL concerts...so we hit it off! And he's an Aussie...kewl accent.

Oh! I haven't cared for too many of TH's donuts/pastries and it's quite fattening to attempt to try everything to find something I like - so I'd welcome any recommendations!

Heading by there now though...so probably a multi=grain bagel! I'm hungry after reading these posts!

Pam

[Rainbow Trout]

You have not had doughnuts until you have warm Krispy Kremes!

[brink-]

You have not had doughnuts until you have warm Krispy Kremes!

The stores out here keep closing!! I love Krispy Kremes, warm, cold or old! yum!

[SilverHeels]

Krispy Kremes!?!? Are you looking to put ON weight, my wee friend? ;)

[charlene]

Krispy Kreme tanked up here around Toronto..

[SilverHeels]

KK (and I dont mean Kristofferson) has arrived in the UK too.

[podunklander]

The one that was nearest to me (Newington, CT) has closed. The next closest one (Milford, CT) is over 50 miles away :(

I can only concur...they are the best donuts...yummy!!! When my son was in high school, a popular baseball team fundraiser was selling boxes of KK donuts! A few people would order donuts, but would then tell my son he could keep them! Sometimes we'd have 4-5 boxes here!