Sentiments expressed on this site

[Jennifer]

I haven't visited in a year and I come back to see everything is still the same, including the subtle and sometimes not so subtle anti-American sentiments expressed on this site. But hey when your own moderator obviously HATES Americans and sets the tone on these boards.... well crap has a way of making its way down, doesn't it.

And some of you in the past have wondered why younger people dont visit this site much. Its because we're not a generation of hatred and prejudice; we're a generation that realizes wisdom is more than age and experience, its about having an open heart too!! I visit and participate in several music related boards, and this one is the worst by far when it comes to the condescending "tone" in some of these posts. What a shame... you're a drag on the artist and the music and it totally ruins any chances of you passing it on to other generations for them to enjoy.

[jj]

... we're not a generation of hatred and prejudice

hi jennifer, I don't recognize you're user but I'll check out some of your prior 170 posts...you say you haven't been here in a year, I trust that you caught Gord on his 2008 tour and hope you will post about the experience:)

as far as this post, there's a condescending tone coming from you...I hope that your generation IS actual full of peace and non-prejudice and that you have been nurtured in that manner thanks to the parental and teacher guidance of the generation you are putting down as hateful, etc

I just made a post calling the Chicago Black Hawks 'lowly'...they were at the time...and I am sorry if that type of loose comment is perceived as a put down...I remember our moderator saying that US elections drag on too long and also implying there's perhaps too much football watching during US thanksgiving... I also agree with that and have heard the same comments from the few Americans that i do know first hand....you should e-mail our friendly moderator with examples of what has you miffed...i don't understand you're public dissing of this 'hateful' board at all

what other music boards do you enjoy and post to? ...in this small talk area you'll see lots of discussion about other fan faves, there's one thread near the top right this moment asking what 2nd Fave artists are...glad to have you join in and hope please IM me if I offend you, a lot of us are pretty candid and assume if we make a borderline post that no ill will is perceived by readers, young and old

cheers:)
j

[jj]

it totally ruins any chances of you passing it on to other generations for them to enjoy.

btw, I know first hand that many if not most of our moderator's finest friends are fine Americans (there's actually only about 5 to 10 of us dumb canuck on this board, lol)

...and no single person or promoter is required to pass along Gord to younger generations...the music itself will take care of that...I was introduced to it when mom was spinning an early record and now my son is also benefiting from my having a 'few' Gord tunes in the household....his gift will ripple on to our children's, children's, children (and I hope there is still an Earth by then:)

ps) I've never seen so many hate crimes (90% are actually carried out by youth) in the area in and around where I live or work...sad

[RM]

I visit and participate in several music related boards, and this one is the worst by far when it comes to the condescending "tone" in some of these posts. What a shame... you're a drag on the artist and the music and it totally ruins any chances of you passing it on to other generations for them to enjoy.

I feel ashamed of myself.

[jj]

I feel ashamed of myself.

Jennifer, if you've been referring to the posts that are directed toward, rm...he has been certainly more than deserving of the 'holier than thou' tone received...he's also a glutton for punishment

i don't entirely know what that term means but i've heard it all of my life

btw, what i haven't heard in a good (and bad) 15 years is an old fave tune by an interesting writer that Jen's user ID somehow sparked, then i youtubed it (that is now an official verb isn't it?)

YouTube - roland13-lloyd cole and the commotions-jennifer she said

"did you ever have a bad dream, wake up and it not stop..."

I always liked that line...I often try to go back to bed and get out the other side... and even off the end and then the headboard if necessary ....if i have more than four bad starts, i stay away from sharp objects and resist posting and/or pissing at/or on corfid

[Sundown17]

Jennifer,

I am sorry that this is the impression you have received from reading this board. Sometimes, because of the lack of personality in the printed word, the reader puts their own experiences into them. I think perhaps you may be mistaking dry humor and teasing among friends as your anti-American sentiments. As a proud American with some pretty thin skin, I have never felt dissed on this board. In fact it's one of the few places out in the cyberworld that I visit where I know all are welcome and I don't have to waste my time with trolls and idiots.

I know Char personally and count her as one of my dear friends in and outside of the Lightfoot world. A kinder, more generous, open hearted, and most importantly, open minded soul you will not find. She does not hate Americans. That's a fact. Yes, she has expressed some opinions about the way things are done in the US, as have many others, including Americans about Canadian ways. It's all in the spirit of intelligent adult conversation. I think that you will find that if you state the sentiments expressed that have offended you, in a mature open manner, we would be more than happy to engage in a conversation about our point of view and be more than willing to listen to yours.

What Char won't put up with is pointed rudeness and blatant lack of respect. That's her job as the moderator and she does a d@mn good one of it.

Diane

[Yuri]

Hi Jennifer,

I’m sorry that you perceive some of the sentiments expressed on this site as being anti-American. Lightfoot’s music has brought fans from many countries together at Corfid and not surprisingly, perceptions and opinions will vary not only between nations but between individuals. Here, among friends, we feel safe to discuss the topics that unite us such as music, but also what makes us different. It’s what brings “life” to the forum. I would hope that comments and observations of our differences would be taken as an opportunity for discussion and enlightenment rather than immediately perceived as a slight against any person or nation.

Without knowing the statistics, I venture to say that the majority of participants in this forum are probably American and many of the opinions your own. About 80% of the Canadian population resides within several hundred miles of the American border so naturally we are often inundated and overwhelmed by American culture and events. Some Canadians feel it threatens our identity. But like the ‘little brother’ who desperately wishes to be seen as his own person, he would fight tooth and nail to defend his ‘big brother’s’ reputation. Ask any Canadian which country they’d rather share their border with and you’d find that the overwhelming majority would keep the U.S. We are much more alike than different.

Not having read Char’s post where she allegedly commented that the U.S. election campaigns are too long I can only surmise that this was an observation and not intended as an insult. I too scratch my head over a two year campaign for a four year term in office but I mean no insult by it. Char needs no defending, regardless, knowing her personally I can vouch for her integrity as moderator of this forum. In the past she graciously invited a mob of Corfidians into her home during Massey week and I’ve witnessed the friendship she so willingly extends to all, regardless of nationality.

Over the years I have corresponded with, shared music with and personally met many American Corfidians who are no longer acquaintances but have become friends. In fact we all have become a ‘family’ with the surname ‘Corfid’.

Lightfoot was born Canadian, but let’s face it - he belongs to the world. I, for one am delighted he has brought so many of us together at Corfid regardless of our nationality.

Americans? Heck, I married one almost a quarter century ago and I love her madly even if we don’t always see things eye to eye….

Yuri

[RM]

I remember our moderator saying that US elections drag on too long and also implying there's perhaps too much football watching during US thanksgiving...


The evidence mounts ........

I agree about the US election process, but football on Thanksgiving ? What better way to avoid participating in a dysfunctional family setting ? It works.

[charlene]

What Char won't put up with is pointed rudeness and blatant lack of respect. That's her job as the moderator and she does a d@mn good one of it.

Diane

Thank you Diane.

Jennifer - Diane is correct in saying that at this site I don't put up with rudeness and lack of respect and sadly you have managed to do both in one, not so subtle post ..
you have been rude and disrespectful not just to me but to ALL who come here to post about all manner of subjects.

You state: "when your own moderator obviously HATES Americans and sets the tone on these boards....
First of all - I don't HATE anyone. Period.
Second - I do not set the tone here. That is not why I get paid the big bucks.. ;)

You also so eloquently state: "Well crap has a way of making its way down, doesn't it?"
How insulting to everyone here!!! - including the Americans who are the majority of members at this site.
You have debased and disrespected their intelligence in making the decision to come here and share their loves and lives.
It also insults the owner of this site who is neither American nor Canadian but perhaps more importantly and paramount at this site, he too is a Lightfoot fan.

For the record I have many, many dear, close friends who are American, my sister and her family live in the U.S. My nephew is American, my cousin lives in the U.S. as well.
I visit the U.S. every year for vacation - I even got a Canadian flag tattoo in the U.S.!

Having differences of opinions on many subjects makes us an interesting mix of people at this site and thankfully, for the most part, regardless of nationality, (race, religion, age, weight, height, eye colour, political leanings..etc.etc.) we have all been mature, kind and respectful enough to discuss issues and banter back and forth without the crass rudeness and disrespect you have shown ALL of us.

I believe that the members here are intelligent enough to recognize that the condescending attitude you have has nothing to do with me or any of them..

We have all ages of people that post here and reflect the fact that yes we of the older generation have indeed passed along the music of The Man..
I know I have certainly done my part with not only my kids but just about damn well every person I meet.
And as JJ states - the music does just fine on its own in making new fans..

I am proud of the fans, the "Net People" at this site, and the integrity that all of us have in our honesty and true regard for each other when we post, regardless of the topic.

Finally, and not so subtly, I would like to state that I am also proud of how this message board has been moderated for 8 years and I think it is safe to say that those who post here feel the same.

Thanks for dropping by..

Char

[Auburn Annie]

"I visit and participate in several music related boards, and this one is the worst by far when it comes to the condescending "tone" in some of these posts."

If you find the "tone" on this board condescending, you must have a limited experience of discussion forums, music related or not. The tone on many, many boards is positively vitriolic. One requires asbestos britches to venture into them. Some are replete with, in the words of the great John Cleese (re Sarah Palin's sentence structure) "unparsable flapdoodle" - love that phrase, btw. Most Lightheads are kindness personified. We all have our moments, of course.

I am an American married 28 years to a Canadian, and have no idea WHY the 2008 election is expected to cost $5.3 BILLION. Forget limits on campaign finance - limit the time spent campaigning, which will itself limit the costs. And reduce the sheer aggravation, which spirals down to boredom and indifference.

:biggrin: Have a nice day! :biggrin:

[charlene]

The evidence mounts ........

I agree about the US election process, but football on Thanksgiving ? What better way to avoid participating in a dysfunctional family setting ? It works.

aha! - Ron, so many things are crystal clear now ...
lol
;)

altho at times things here can seem like Thanksgiving Day with the family and NO football on the tely..
:eek:

[lighthead2toe]

Thank you.
At this point Jennifer has not come back with a second comment.

Maybe she was just having a bad day and we all have them that's for sure.
Reading into her post though and seeing the way the word "hates" was capitalized, with reference to Americans, and apart from being a personal friend of Charlene, I would hope to see a retraction from Jennifer.

I can personally vouch for the fact that Char would have to choke on her heartstrings to come out with hate for anyone and I know for a fact that Americans are among many her closest friends and mine too.
The music of Gordon Lightfoot is far removed from the word hate and it's upsetting that it would come into play here in such a manner.

On a lighter note I would hope that Jennifer would be in a position to make her way up here to Toronto and join us at the next Lightfoot Massey Hall gig, come together with us Canucks, Americans, Australians, UK folks and others from all over the globe and hold hands, sing the songs, and sure , have a little banter, whether it be political or otherwise, but without the word hate coming into the picture.
Sincerely, Ron J.

[Patti]

Jennifer, there have been times that I have felt hated on this site; right or wrong, I have felt that way.
Canadians really are above us, you know.
Wisdom is the way to go. She will take you straight to the North Pole. ;)

[Affair on Touhy Ave.]

Jennifer, there have been times that I have felt hated on this site; right or wrong, I have felt that way.
Canadians really are above us, you know.


What do you mean by that?

I'm sure they're just as many not so well off people on both sides of the border.

[charlene]

geographically canada is above the u.s.
I can only assume that is what was meant - I sure dont' know what else it would mean. I don't know if it alludes to any persons status of being well off or not..
it's a very confusing post to say the least.

[jj]

geographically canada is above the u.s.

yeah, i think that's the gist...as well as Santa being the wisest of all:)

i don't think there are two more friendly and like neighbours in the entire world...we mainly differ in that our elections don't get quite as much CNN airtime, lol

i truly hope your new leader will work with our leader in 2 part harmony...then join the rest of the world leaders and form a large choir all singing the same tune:)

[RM]

Jennifer, there have been times that I have felt hated on this site; right or wrong, I have felt that way.


This is Detective Meason here. I have a few questions : Who dissed Patti ? Just "fess up". Don't make us scour the bowels of Corfid to find the evidence. If you accept the plea agreement you're probably looking at a 1-2 day probation period.

[jj]

firstly, i'm not psychologically fit to stand trial

secondly, ok...a while back i displayed anti-americanism (anti-patti-ism, anyhow) by not allowing her submission of 'Father' to be accepted in our Lightfoot lyric 'Name' listing....i don't know if she realized that following an appeal process, the entry was permitted:)

in all sincerity, which of these doesn't belong with the others?:

Lightfoot
Corfid
Hate
Love

[charlene]

Detective Meason - CORFID P.D.
lol
goodluck with the investigation..

We are each entitled to our feelings..right or wrong, justified or not..

Sorry I can't help with the investigation Detective..the clue is too vague ..

"there have been times that I have felt hated on this site; right or wrong, I have felt that way."

[timetraveler]

I haven't visited in a year and I come back to see everything is still the same, including the subtle and sometimes not so subtle anti-American sentiments expressed on this site. But hey when your own moderator obviously HATES Americans and sets the tone on these boards.... well crap has a way of making its way down, doesn't it.

And some of you in the past have wondered why younger people dont visit this site much. Its because we're not a generation of hatred and prejudice; we're a generation that realizes wisdom is more than age and experience, its about having an open heart too!! I visit and participate in several music related boards, and this one is the worst by far when it comes to the condescending "tone" in some of these posts. What a shame... you're a drag on the artist and the music and it totally ruins any chances of you passing it on to other generations for them to enjoy.
I'm so sorry that you feel that way Jennifer. Myself, I'm an American who visits this site on a fairly regular basis, and unless I'm being totally clueless or whatever, I have yet to see one bit of anti-American sentiment anywhere on this site. All that I HAVE seen is a lot of lovely people with warm & generous spirits who share their opinions with others out there.

[RM]

ok...a while back i displayed anti-americanism (anti-patti-ism, anyhow) by not allowing her submission of 'Father' to be accepted in our Lightfoot lyric 'Name' listing


(ok, now we're talking) jj, have a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee ? Cigarette ?

How long have you been a member of Corfid ?

[Jesse Joe]

Detective R. Meason, dont forget to shine the light in his face during the interrogation. Might get more out of him by doing so ! :biggrin:

[LadyA]

As an American, a long time Lightfoot fan & someone who consistently reads the posts here (although I infrequently post), I was amazed by this post. I have NEVER read anything that seemed even remotely anti-American to me. Most often the things I have read (i.e. elections taking too long) I heartily agree with. Is this a problem of only Americans can say things about America? I find that the most enlightening things come from those who can see us in a way that we cannot see ourselves.

As for Char, while I have no personal experience with her, she seems to be an incredibly gracious woman who devotes a great deal of time & energy here for which she is not often rewarded. From this American, I have never had the feeling that you dislike/disdain/hate Americans & I appreciate what you do here & am sorry for the abuse given by someone who I share a country with.

I've never understood peoples need to rant particularly at the expense of someone else. If you don't like what you perceive as the sentiments on this site, don't read them & don't post here. It's called freedom of choice.

[charlene]

thank you LadyA and all others who have expressed their support..

[jj]

(ok, now we're talking) jj, have a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee ? Cigarette ?

How long have you been a member of Corfid ?


yes- yes - and some would say too long...

jjo,
i do 'hate' bright lights...big cities too (unless in small doses:) )

[Borderstone]

All I have to say on the matter is,I "am" an American and in watching the idiotic behavior of selected people in this country,including it's soon to be exiting president,
I don't blame some for hating them. (No Char,not you).

I don't have to actually see the people on this site,or it's moderators to know they're good peole or not. Those that are not good,show it fully in their postings as do the ones that are good.

If a moderator like Char or Florian were hateful,they certainly wouldn't care about this site or any of us in general. I've been here for nearly 6 years Jennifer and at no time have they made me feel unwelcome either personally or because I reside in the USA.

Last and most certainly,Gordon Lightfoot knows of this site and if things like that were going on,he'd want no association with it and I'd bet $$$ that he'd ask the site to be removed.

I think you'd have better things to do with your time & emotions J. than harbor a grudge or childish resentment. Move on and get over it,life's too short for this kind of thing.

[RM]

yes- yes - and some would say too long...

Fine. jj, do you happen to recall your whereabouts on or around 1-30-08 ?

Do you know anything about this post from Patti ?

"For some reason, my internet security says that this place is unsafe. There's some nice people here, but I never really felt like I belonged here anyway. Please unsubscribe me."

[jj]

Fine. jj, do you happen to recall your whereabouts on or around 1-30-08 ?

Do you know anything about this post from Patti ?

"For some reason, my internet security says that this place is unsafe. There's some nice people here, but I never really felt like I belonged here anyway. Please unsubscribe me."


i can't even tell ya where i was 10-30-08! not cos i've anything to hide, i simply can't remember...i think char's got that same gene, must be a dumb canuck thing :)

well i can see that as well as it being a glorious day for the USA (as an outside, the significance of the event really just hit me today) it's also left a good portion of citizens concerned about change..that said, i guess it's not a good day for tom or jj foolery on this board, agh

that's an actual post, eh, rm? seems long ago and i think i came back here from a unintentionally imposed internet hiatus shortly before Massey 08, so i guess i missed a few walking on pins and needles stints here...otherwise, i know nothing of patti except she seems as fun as the next gal or guy here and i think her post about Canada over the USA was a bit of clever wit...as far as the last line, it beats me but is a bit of a puzzle however this old mind has to save it's puzzle solving energy for steveo quizzes :)

i usually come here to lighten the mind load...the news has sucked lately (or maybe i'm just paying more attention as i wrinkle) but today a truck fell off on overpass right into my usual commute path, myself unscathed of course...as well as a cute little dude being found in a wooded area after a full 'citizen forces' search for weeks...i know reality has this type of story happening all over the contintent and worldwide at time, but this one left me a little wilted http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/531082

my point it, this is a place to celebrate Gord and our common interests and I can't relate to the whole instigating conflict motive by any members.... my experience has been merely noticing only 2 or 3 folks here (other than the early morning porn spam, lol) that have come across to me as mean spirited...considering the lrge membership here, that's a pretty impressive ratio...either that, or most things just go over my head....with all that said, I plea no contest! (steveo's lyric game competition aside) ...now, rm...can i get something slightly stonger than a coffee? :)

[charlene]

I'm sure JJ would like to plead his innocence..

Can't help it if folks feel they don't belong. It says more about them than about the other people who post here..

case closed..
10-4 good buddy..

[BILLW]

OK OK OK, I've been busy for a couple weeks with the whole family thing but as the kids say WTF ???

The moderator of this website is fair and balanced. The moderator is not a hater but a wonderful, friendly, caring person who routinely welcomes us Americans up to her lovely country. (as an aside I considered briefly last night of moving next door to Char but let's not discuss American politics, LOL)

I have had the experience of meeting Char at least 3X and each time she was nicer than the previous time. (I say "at least 3" because I killed a few brain cells in my mis-spent youth add that's my best guess).

One of my nicknames over the years here has been "tough old Bill or mean old Bill or something equally nutty" and I can say without a doubt that I have had to tangle with a number of trolls that invaded here. I have been mean and hopefully helped to run a few of them off. As a self-appointed enforcer I would like to offer my services to Detective RM. But I never knew the nationality of any of the creeps so I don't think I was being anti- American, I was being anti-creep, LOL.

But things have been fairly placid here for the longest time and I don't get your rant Jennifer. Care to elaborate a bit so we can bury the hatchet (that's sarcasm not anti-Americanism btw)

And as that great American Rodney King used to say (no not ouch, ouch !) "Can't we all just get along ?"

Gotta love corfid, eh ?

All in peace and fun of course,

Bill :)

[RM]

case closed..
10-4 good buddy..

Ok......jj, you're free to go. There's a full bar in the Detective's lounge, the first door to the left. Just tell 'em RM sent you.

[BILLW]

The evidence mounts ........

I agree about the US election process, but football on Thanksgiving ? What better way to avoid participating in a dysfunctional family setting ? It works.

Football (real Football, LOL) on Thanksgiving gives a wonderful point of focus for the day. While I am somewhat in the minority I usually attend church on Thanksgiving morning and then back to the party. If your whole family & some friends are attending you need multiple focus points. Many of us like to cook and/or help cook. Some folks like to belt back adult beverages and chit-chat. All good.

There are multiple conversations in multiple rooms and there is a nice ebb & flow going on. And for those who like a little sports a TV here and there is tuned to the game. There are only two games every Thanksgiving, sometimes they're good and sometimes they are not so much.

And like this year... I can't travel because I have to work Friday morning so we've been taken in by my wife's friend who is also a co-worker. They're nice people but I don't know all their relatives. Believe me I'll be nice (sincerely) and have a nice time but the game that's on while we're there will give me a nice out when I run out of things to share. And nothing says manly and bonding like "hey that was a helluva tackle, no?" and then hit the guy in the shoulder.

I guess you'd have to be there but having something in common that at least a few people like helps. But believe me when I say some folks can't take the combo of turkey and violent sport. Oh well some folks don't like East Of Midnight or Canary Yellow Canoe, LOL.

Peace,

Bill :)

[RM]

Believe me I'll be nice (sincerely) and have a nice time but the game that's on while we're there will give me a nice out when I run out of things to share.

Yes ! It's wonderful. I know I'll be able to take a seat, and then ask "Are the Lions behind by 28 points yet ?". Where that opening line may lead has endless possibilities. The last time I used it, I found myself engaged in a conversation about shoe factories in China.

[charlene]

Yes ! It's wonderful. I know I'll be able to take a seat, and then ask "Are the Lions behind by 28 points yet ?". Where that opening line may lead has endless possibilities. The last time I used it, I found myself engaged in a conversation about shoe factories in China.

I think you're on kitchen detail this year..
;)

[RM]

I think you're on kitchen detail this year..
;)

Oh, that's lame. I KNOW how to work that room. I volunteer my help, somebody asks me to stir in 3 teaspoons of salt, and after teaspoon 17 they ask "What are you doing ?!". I respond with " Stirring in 30 teaspoons of salt".

Next thing you know, I watching football.

[charlene]

Oh, that's lame. I KNOW how to work that room. I volunteer my help, somebody asks me to stir in 3 teaspoons of salt, and after teaspoon 17 they ask "What are you doing ?!". I respond with " Stirring in 30 teaspoons of salt".

Next thing you know, I watching football.

aha! - a "seasoned" pro in the kitchen!!..
lololol

:clap:

[jj]

yes, too much measoning

[jj]

Ok......jj, you're free to go

thanks...i'm saying to myself the same thing barack said to himself Tues night ... "can't believe they bought all that crap" :)

[jj]

There are only two games every Thanksgiving, sometimes they're good and sometimes they are not so much.

hi bw:) well i stand corrected then cos that's how many we have on tv (back to back) also...i thought you have several on every channel during the 3 or 4 day stretch...i might be thinking of Xmas day and/or new years' day...i'm not into the college stuff but maybe that's what those games are mostly...i certainly watch the NFL playoff ones...also, i have never got into the march madness...anyhow, i hear you guys, sounds like a great time coming up and well deserved holiday for Americans:) ...i've always been in a rural setting for our thanksgiving and it's always possibly the latest dose of good outdoor weather before a 5 month freeze so usually nobody is indoors until it get's dim out...then it's board game time

i gotta say enough time has passed that i conclude that Jen has atleast been back to lurk and ultimately copped out on giving specifics...where her comment really belongs is under the thread which it applies to back when the misunderstanding occurred so it could be cleared up promptly...it's like me making a vague random post with no reference claiming 'bw, you really suck":)

[Patti]

yeah, i think that's the gist...as well as Santa being the wisest of all:)



:) Ring-a-ling!

[charlene]

JJ - I've lost track of what and who belongs where .. and why......
lol

[Patti]

Fine. jj, do you happen to recall your whereabouts on or around 1-30-08 ?

Do you know anything about this post from Patti ?

"For some reason, my internet security says that this place is unsafe. There's some nice people here, but I never really felt like I belonged here anyway. Please unsubscribe me."


I think my computer was probably just doing that. At first I thought someone was messing around. As far as not belonging here, that was a separate issue and it didn't have anything to do with anyone here.

Many people here have made me feel welcome, and I hope I do the same for others.

[Borderstone]

" I ....see...internet people!" :eek:

Oh wait! :rolleyes:
I can't "see" these people so why should I feel negative about them?? :p Duh!!!!!

LOL! :biggrin:

[timetraveler]

Myself, I don't think that I'll ever understand folks who, for reasons known only to theirselves, get a bug up their nose about anything & then let themselves get so wrought up that they take their bad mood out on others. Having said that, that also means that I have YET to figure my own self out.:)

[lighthead2toe]

This topic has obviously sparked some serious controversy about the way things can go awry on the internet and create possible unnecessary bad feelings about others without having an opportunity to meet them in person and I say this because of an experience that really opened my mind to the way the wired world is going that I want to to share.
Jennifer I hope you read this because being a Gordon Lightfoot fan as the rest of us I sincerely wish you no ill will as it's his music that's built this wonderful network of fans and once again I extend the hand to you join us in person at the earliest opportunity so we all can feel much happier.
So, on with the story:

When my son was twelve years old I took him to a comic convention in downtown Toronto as he was an aspiring artist and into comic art at that time.
The convention was being held in the Westin Hotel and on the main floor there was a room where the latest thing in comic art was about to be shown on a big screen and we took seats in the room.
My interest was drawn more to the way comments were being thrown around the room by several of the folks watching, most of who were much younger that me, and my son was also watching and threw in his two cents also. There was a serious conversation going on there but nobody really knew just exactly who they were talking to.
After about twenty minutes the video was over and everyone walked out of the room and no one knew who it was that they had spoken to and didn't even seem to care.
It was to me a totally abstract experience.
Now that really, really freaked me completely out and still does to this day.
My son at the time had difficulty understanding why I was troubled but I had to explain to him that the absence of personal contact with those who were communicating with each other was a loss to all those who took the time to sit there for the twenty minutes and watch the show.
Everything was just bounced off the big screen and that's where all eyes were glued and the lack of personal contact I found very troubling.
I told him that if I got that involved in the commentary I would at least like to have had the opportunity to make personal contact with those folks to whom I'd spoken, introduce myself, shake hands and try and in some way try and stay connected.
But the way the world is going with all the toys out there, just about everyone walking down the street these days seems to be plugged into something or other.
The wonderful thing about connecting with Gordon Lightfoot fans in the concert hall is once that first chord is struck, once that first lyric comes out, once the songs begin to roll, all comes together and the party is on. That's what this group is all about and the shortcomings that come in between us well, may they stay forever, very short. Sincerely, Ron Jones.

[Jesse Joe]

Very well said Ron,

I guess it's like the Michael Jackson song: "Man In The Mirror," that would sum it up pretty good.

As for Char I had not posted anything about the remarks made by Jennifer or who ever this person is, but I will say that I dont know Charlene personally, never met her. But from her posts here, I'd dare say she does not hate Americans... She's just " A Proud Canadian,"... just like me... :biggrin: ;)... nothing wrong with that. :)

[jj]

yeah, great analogy, Ron...articulated and crafted in poetic fashon as only you know how

OK, i think Jess just might have hit the nail on the head...if Canadians tooting their horn is taken as anti 'any other country' then i understand now...i gotta say i kinda preferred when some of canada's nice features or talents were the world's best kept secrets...i think eveyone worldwide can relate to being able to see a local performer at there own small pub but once that talent gets discovered, all of a sudden you have to buy a ticket to a big arena show to see 'your boy' along with the rest of the masses...i could be off track...but a neat thread would be for all to contribute stories where a local talent of their was previously enjoyed on the small stage (they in attendance) before making it bigtime...i think John Fowles is one who saw our Gord on the small stage before he made it bigtime...Gord i mean:)

i think at times, some of us use this Small Talk area to post Canadiana similar to canada.com discussion boards...it's hard to say if non-canucks find any of it interesting or notice differences or similarities....maybe we need some more non-canuck horn tooting going on as well...i think Pam can certainly author one of those patriotic threads with the best of them...she should probably go head to head against Palin in 2012:)

and I'd be char's sidekick (I'm starting to look like abnd even slip up, like Biden) if she went up against Harper whenever our next election is...i still havent figured out when our elections are, i think they are on demand ...which sounds like a pretty good system to me ....actually char would make a good great of the IOC and UN:)

[Jesse Joe]

For Sir John Fowles, I've always said that he was very privilege to have seen a young Gordon Lightfoot @ EXPO 67 in Montreal.

I was about to start a new thread asking, "Where is "SIR John Fowles" ? But I found him this morning on "The Yahoo Gordon Lightfoot Fan Club" arguing with Robots... lol ! Hey Sir John you really make me laugh sometimes :biggrin: Your a good Brit tho ! Err Umm ! :)

All in good fun ! ;)

[charlene]

It's amazing how so many walk around these days so totally unplugged from the actual world they inhabit but are literally plugged into the electronics of the day, listening to chatter/music and watching small screens with texts/videos etc..

I like to walk around, make eye contact, smile, say HI, how are you? to people. When you are unaware of what and who is around you the tendency to be polite and friendly is diminished, doors are not opened, banging into people while walking around occurs all the time, the tendency to be short tempered happens more often..it makes for a disengaged and sometimes surly population amongst those who don't engage in the hi-tech gadgetry.

I too would have found that experience way too weird RJ..but kids are used to so much TV from such a young age in some cases that voices coming at them with no person attached is normal I guess..lol

I'll never get used to folks walking around with their hands free phones, talking out loud, and sometimes TOO loud, having conversations in public that are totally inappropriate.

There seems to be an epidemic all over the world of the 'if you say something 'pro' or in praise" it automatically makes you 'anti' something..that speaks more to the listener than the speaker I think.
If I am 'anti' something I'm more than capable of making it crystal clear.

I must say, with thanks, that for the most part I have found folks quite appreciative of hearing/learning some facts/trivia about Canada/Canadians, be it posted here or in private e-mails. We here in Canada have U.S. news as front page coverage in our papers, the top story on our nightly news - our national magazine - Macleans, was just delivered with Obama on the front cover. Were there any U.S. magazines with our PM on it when he won the election a month ago? That's a rhetorical question by the way..
;)
Yet Canada is the largest trade partner of the U.S.:
As of December 2007 and according to the US Census, the ten largest trading partners of the United States represented 64.87% of U.S. Imports, and 58.67% of U.S. Exports in goods. The largest partners with their total trade in billions of US Dollars are as follows:

Canada: $561.55
China: $386.75
Mexico: $347.34
Japan: $208.13
Germany: $144.02
United Kingdom: $107.19
South Korea: $82.27
France: $69.00
Taiwan: $64.66
Saudi Arabia: $46.03

I try my best to hold a high standard of decorum here, for myself and hopefully for all posters. I have stated before that I always imagine that Gordon Lightfoot may at any time tune in so the deep respect I have for him must be reflected in the atmosphere of this board.

When he sees me he asks "Char! - what's new on the web?" I always tell him that his fans here send their hugs and love and are looking forward to the concerts coming up and hope he's doing great.

Yes JJ - we have 'election on demand' - channel 0 on the dial..lol
You can be my finance minister..I'll give everyone all the money they need to get to Lightfoot concerts..that's my election platform!..
;)
I ain't a gun totin', moose killin', snomobile ridin' hockey mum tho.
BUT from Toronto I CAN see the state of New York across Lake Ontario!
lololol

[RM]

We here in Canada have U.S. news as front page coverage in our papers, the top story on our nightly news - our national magazine - Macleans, was just delivered with Obama on the front cover. Were there any U.S. magazines with our PM on it when he won the election a month ago?

I ain't a gun totin', moose killin', snomobile ridin' hockey mum tho.
BUT from Toronto I CAN see the state of New York across Lake Ontario!
lololol

Therein lies the problem. You folks need to make more noise. Start a war or something. That'll get you some coverage.

[jj]

well said, char...i know many fellow Canadians (most of them are living along the border) who know way more about the US than they do of Canada and they watch almost 100% non-Canadian tv, even CNN over their own local news...there's been articles about this phenomena...a lot feel we are the 51st state and constantly need affirmation that we are accepted, an inferiority thing...eg. Canuck artists are ignored until they go abroad or over border and gain fame then come back to a huge sudden following...that's why we love GL...he never really left at all...and you'e got some Canucks here who don't fit the mold that I describe above...we just like what we like ...and becuase we listen to and watch alot of CBC or TVO (tv ontario) we end up with an appreciation for many non-mainstream artists...and most of the interntional members here are exactly the same that way, can appreciate the folks roots and/or indy artist ...i also learn a bunch about Canada i was totally ignroant to from jesse, ron, char, etc in small talk...we could take the chat offline but i have gotten pm/emails saying folks (many are canadian or american lurkers) appreciate some of the non-GL tidbits that surface here ...i love it when we get similar tidbits from the corners of america or germany, austrailia, etc...let me endorse atleast one (if not all) strong point char has made above....i can tell you first hand that char WILL let you know if she is anti something! i experienced that first hand long ago in my very first or second email reply from her where i had crossed the line with my ill-wit, lol...and i've seen other poor souls experience a similar wrath, in person..at those times i wish i had the handy cam running, lol

i love your techno rant...i'm a bit of a contradiction that way but i think i'm finding a decent balance...i can tell you concentration/peripheral vision and awareness while at the helm of any sort of transportation (even city walking) is a must these days... one the way home last night, there was a bottleneck on the 497 (speed limit of 100 - 130kmh...make that about 60-70mph)...anyhow, when i finally got up to the problem area, i realized it was a slow moving car, maybe one having transmission problems. and should be off the side of the road...but when it was my turn to whiz by 'her' (lol) the scene was stunning...she had the blackberry chat going with it held between shoulder and neck AS WELL AS a spoon going into her mouth ....i take it the other hand was on the wheel, after all she was still travelling at about 50mph...i assume she was resting a McDonalds sundae on her lap...i imagine she was hustling to finish the dessert and conversation so she could get to the eyeliner pen before she reached the mall, lol...anyhow, folks were giving her the finger and honking but she was totally unaware it seemed...again, the videocam would have been handy to have but then i'd be guilty if the same unsafe travelling offense

here we now have cellphones and GPS programming banned while driving...i wonder when coffee drinking, smoking, fast food, screaming kids, etc while also be banned...what about those TV-like billboards? i watch them all the time in rush hour, more often than not there are half naked gals promotong some product...our evolving society never lets me down when it comes to the shock and awe and give my head a shake factor ...i'm not on a rant, rather i'm trying to see if i can beat steveos record for the longest corfid ramble to date:)

"from Toronto I CAN see the state of New York across Lake Ontario"

lol...it's true and these are with out doubt two fine cities from two of the very finest countries on our planet...well, besides africa;)

[jj]

Therein lies the problem. You folks need to make more noise. Start a war or something. That'll get you some coverage.

as always, you hit the nail on the head in less than 20 words, rm

we actually did do the 'or something'

and this is the truth, we got more international coverage when two dinks from Quebec (still officially part of the country) made the crank call to Palin than we did with during our recent election...and actually, that's the way it should be, put the nonsense up front and hide the dry political stuff in with the personal ads (which is actually all these campaign are, very expensive personal ads)

char, do you have a campaign budget for 2012? or are you gonna have to start selling your wonderful art and blowing more of that coloured glass? either way, i'm throwing in a $20 donation and a bag of used Leaf pucks:)

[RM]

we actually did do the 'or something'

and this is the truth, we got more international coverage when two dinks from Quebec (still officially part of the country) made the crank call to Palin than we did with during our recent election...

I remember the prank call, but I missed the part about the call being from Quebec. Way to go !!

[RM]

one the way home last night, there was a bottleneck on the 497 (speed limit of 100 - 130kmh...make that about 60-70mph)...anyhow, when i finally got up to the problem area, i realized it was a slow moving car, maybe one having transmission problems. and should be off the side of the road...but when it was my turn to whiz by 'her' (lol) the scene was stunning...she had the blackberry chat going with it held between shoulder and neck AS WELL AS a spoon going into her mouth ....

That's one of the reasons that I don't own a gun. I'd be picking people off left and right. The day may come when I will join the "Me First" gang, but I'm not ready yet.

[jj]

I remember the prank call, but I missed the part about the call being from Quebec. Way to go !!

YouTube - OFFICIAL VIDEO: Sarah Palin gets pranked

i gotta say, all four of the usa debaters seemed likable and impressive in different ways...what was coming out of their mouths as far as policies and knowledge was something quite different...i don't have the attention span for speech listening...but looking forward to seeing some action....it would be different if they wrote their own speeches...btw, i still do give the Queen five minutes of my ears and eyes every Christmas....i will stay up to date on the Palin empire and the teen pregnancy, i am in a pool where we are trying to guess the grandschild's name...i welcome any hunches:)

[jj]

...and becuase we listen to and watch alot of CBC or TVO (tv ontario) we end up with an appreciation for many non-mainstream artists..

a disclaimer:
char, should you ever call here and hear jessica simpson or britney cd's playing in the background, don't hold it against me, lol

[Patti]

I just love Gord for the person he is. It doesn't matter what country he is from or where he lives. If he had lived in one of the states, he may or may not have moved to California. Bob Seeger, for example, stayed in Michigan. Of course, he might have remained there just to be close to Gord. (Just kidding). I don't know why Gord decided to stay. Probably because of friends, family, places... Me, I wouldn't want to live in California because of earthquakes. I heard that many americans have been filming in Toronto lately. Is that going to be the new Hollywood? :)

[BILLW]

As the kids say when at at a loss for words "I got nothing". Nothing to add that is. I've always tried, sometimes it worked, to avoid politics, religion or sex on this board (interesting if disturbing visual there). I can't speak to Canadian politics but down here it's still about 50 / 50 so if you say "anything" you'll offend someone, LOL. And pity poor me, a man of eclectic tastes and viewpoints, accused of being a hippie when I had long hair, accused of being a sell-out when I cut it. Accused of - oh skip that one.

Anyway my point in posting in this thread is I love all the stuff I learn about Canada and about all of you. Gotta love this place !

Bill :)

I was in California for 4 years and never felt a tremor Patti. Timing is everything, eh ?

[brink-]

I agree with Ron, she must have been having a bad day. Her other posts aren't like this. But as a friend of Char's and an American I have never felt HATED by her.
A bad day for Jennifer and she was talking out her A$$. Jennifer - since you are of the "younger" generation, perhaps when you grow up you will realize how wrong you are in this posting.
Yo Char!!! Sorry about swearing on Corfid, but you did it once, just ask Detective Meason. :)

[jj]

hi brink:) yeah, i like her prior posts i looked back upon a selection....i actually read somewhere that she was about 35...that's no teen youngen but i wouldnt mind revisiting that age...let's go with bad day and hope to see her at a fan gathering on a good or even medium day....Gord will turn it into a great day for all:)

[charlene]

as always, you hit the nail on the head in less than 20 words, rm

char, do you have a campaign budget for 2012? or are you gonna have to start selling your wonderful art and blowing more of that coloured glass? either way, i'm throwing in a $20 donation and a bag of used Leaf pucks:)


I just might have to resort to running for office since I've been out of work for 11 months now..
lol
Hey - the Canadian Finance Minister lives a few blocks away..maybe he'll hire me..I used to meet with him when I ran the school coalition to get extra curriculars back in Durham region hi schools..back in 2000...he was/is our MPP - little Jimmy Flaherty... I did the tv reports/radio/print, meetings with politicians, minister of education, press releases, marches, rallies..oh yeah..I was a rebel for my kids..
lol

the pucks will come in handy to throw at anyone who gets yappy while I'm on the campaign trail..I'm anti-gun ya know..
lol

[charlene]

I heard that many americans have been filming in Toronto lately. Is that going to be the new Hollywood? :)

the american film industry has been up here for years and years..not as much in the last couple due to the strength of the canuck buck tho. there's always something being shot in and around town..

this list only goes to 2005:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_shot_in_Toronto

more:
http://www.toronto.com/article/000376975

[brink-]

hi brink:) yeah, i like her prior posts i looked back upon a selection....i actually read somewhere that she was about 35...that's no teen youngen but i wouldnt mind revisiting that age...let's go with bad day and hope to see her at a fan gathering on a good or even medium day....Gord will turn it into a great day for all:)

You betcha, JJ. I agree - let's get her up to Massey for a gathering, nobody can resist being in a great mood there.

Hope you are doing well, how is Harry?? ;)

[RM]

I just might have to resort to running for office since I've been out of work for 11 months now..
lol


Does the Canadian press delve as deep into the private lives of it's candidates as the American press does here ? I could never run for public office. There are way too many skeletons jangling about in my closet.

[charlene]

hi brink:) yeah, i like her prior posts i looked back upon a selection....i actually read somewhere that she was about 35...that's no teen youngen but i wouldnt mind revisiting that age...let's go with bad day and hope to see her at a fan gathering on a good or even medium day....Gord will turn it into a great day for all:)

Gord can give it his best shot if she shows up...good thing he doesn't do any of his 'political' songs anymore tho..

JJ you're not far removed from that age and lucky you can remember being 35 !!
;)

[jj]

Hope you are doing well, how is Harry??

thx, d...i'm fine...junior is like his mum, a real pain in the neck!

i hope 'grandma' is also keeping well and on her toes at all times:)

rm, i read the news daily and i don't even know the prime minister's wife's name, does that answer the question?

[charlene]

The families/spouses of politicians here are for the most part not "examined" by the press or public. We are 'introduced' to them in a general way, see them at times if they are with their partners at certain functions but they are private citizens and the aura of 'celebrity' isn't foisted on them or their political spouses for entertainment value.
Laureen Harper, the PM's wife rescues cats and houses them at 24 Sussex where she lives with the PM and their children. She also is a runner and has organized runs for various charities. Whewn living out west prior to the big move to Ottawa she rode a motorcycle..
She's a very attractive woman and always impeccably dressed..
http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&q=laureen+harper&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title

[charlene]

[QUOTE=jj;145356]thx, d...i'm fine...junior is like his mum, a real pain in the neck!

QUOTE]

LOL!

[brink-]

thx, d...i'm fine...junior is like his mum, a real pain in the neck!

i hope 'grandma' is also keeping well and on her toes at all times:)

rm, i read the news daily and i don't even know the prime minister's wife's name, does that answer the question?

He is adorable, what a little ham!!

[brink-]

[QUOTE=jj;145356]thx, d...i'm fine...junior is like his mum, a real pain in the neck!

QUOTE]

LOL!

honesty prevails.

[jj]

The families/spouses of politicians here are for the most part not "examined" by the press or public. We are 'introduced' to them in a general way, see them at times if they are with their partners at certain functions but they are private citizens and the aura of 'celebrity' isn't foisted on them or their political spouses for entertainment value.
Laureen Harper, the PM's wife rescues cats and houses them at 24 Sussex where she lives with the PM and their children. She also is a runner and has organized runs for various charities. Whewn living out west prior to the big move to Ottawa she rode a motorcycle..
She's a very attractive woman and always impeccably dressed..
http://images.google.ca/images?hl=en&q=laureen+harper&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title

well , thanks for lessening my ignorance, char...i'm sure the papers had had photos and the odd article but not in large enough font (preserved for scandals) to catch my eye

a decent looking family, for whatever looks are worth...the obama family looks nice also (i'd never seen the girls before the other night)...i hear they might be adopting a stray puppy...even if it's not, there's absolutely nothing wrong with obtaining a new one but it's nice when folks are able to take some abandoned pets off of death row or out of solitary confinement...treatment by many prior owners sure can make it hard to rehab 'used' pets regardless of how much training and love you throw there way...i've had a mix of both over 30 odd years but right now i am petless and will remain that way until i can commit to the demands they bring...i can't even commit to a goldfish at the moment, lol

btw, there was a national uproar when it was reported in our headlines that Mrs. Harper had purchased a dress and outfits for her kids at the local Winners for a combined price tag of $150! ;)

ps) i'm not sure if harry was wearing his plastic fangs upsidedown at that moment or he had stuffed his mouth with marshmellow treats!

[charlene]

even with that getup on you can tell he's your kid JJ..
;)

[johnfowles]

I had hitherto omitted reading this thread, but found it today as a result in a search for "election"


I have selected the following three quotes to respond to:-



At this point Jennifer has not come back with a second comment.
Maybe she was just having a bad day and we all have them that's for sure.
Reading into her post though and seeing the way the word "hates" was capitalized, with reference to Americans, and apart from being a personal friend of Charlene, I would hope to see a retraction from Jennifer.
I can personally vouch for the fact that Char would have to choke on her heartstrings to come out with hate for anyone and I know for a fact that Americans are among many her closest friends and mine too.
The music of Gordon Lightfoot is far removed from the word hate and it's upsetting that it would come into play here in such a manner.
On a lighter note I would hope that Jennifer would be in a position to make her way up here to Toronto and join us at the next Lightfoot Massey Hall gig, come together with us Canucks, Americans, Australians, UK folks and others from all over the globe and hold hands, sing the songs, and sure , have a little banter, whether it be political or otherwise, but without the word hate coming into the picture.
Sincerely, Ron J.


OK, i think Jess just might have hit the nail on the head...if Canadians tooting their horn is taken as anti 'any other country' then i understand now...i gotta say i kinda preferred when some of canada's nice features or talents were the world's best kept secrets...i think eveyone worldwide can relate to being able to see a local performer at there own small pub but once that talent gets discovered, all of a sudden you have to buy a ticket to a big arena show to see 'your boy' along with the rest of the masses...i could be off track...but a neat thread would be for all to contribute stories where a local talent of their was previously enjoyed on the small stage (they in attendance) before making it bigtime...i think John Fowles is one who saw our Gord on the small stage before he made it bigtime...Gord I mean"




[/quote]


"did you ever have a bad dream, wake up and it not stop..."
I always liked that line...I often try to go back to bed and get out the other side... and even off the end and then the headboard if necessary ....if i have more than four bad starts, i stay away from sharp objects and resist posting and/or pissing at/or on corfid
My great pal Ron Jones hit the nail firmly on the head in the first quote above.
This Jennifer person has shown incredible ignorance and insensitivity by her contuinued refusal to respond and explain herself better even if only to bleat lamely as Jimmy Jones did in the third quote about it being a case of getting out of the wrong side of the bed last Sunday
The second quote concerns my extreme good fortune on Sunday May21st 1967
to find myself in the New Penelope Coffee Bar on Sherbrooke in Montreal along with no more than 150 others for a genuine
"small stage" GL first concert
http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/LIGHTFOOT/images/new_penelope.jpg
As a holder now of both a Canadian and US passport as well as being British by birthI naturally deplore the completely unjustified and unjustifiable slagging of off Canadians by a Yank
especially the hard working modem madarator
Ok that's my two cents worth of comment on a rant that deserved little attention
Finally why WAS I searching the forums for "election" in the first place??
OK I am well aware that talking politics (and religion ) (and sex) on these forums is taboo, but I have had pointed out to me that despite this protocol there is one very current political topic that Gord himself has been commenting on at many recent concerts
I mean of course the momentuous election a week ago almost in this here United States.
Surprisingly I can find no comment in any forum here presumeably because everybody is afraid of being flamed or getting their knuckles rapped by the diligent CHaracter in CHarge but in view of the significance of the result and Gord's obvious interest in it (I understand that in a telephone call recently to one prominent corfiddler the first thing he mentioned was the election).On a musical note I remember stories of the problems my pre-Gord musical hero Buddy Holly faced due to the then strictly enforced segregation laws in the late 50's touring with popular African Americans, and that when he and the Crickets performed at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem he had to overcome anti-white person prejudice because the audience had expected that a band that sounded that good must be black.So much has changed in only 50 years to bring to reality the promise of the pioneering efforts back in the early 1800's by Britain's William Wilberforce (http://en.wikidia.orb-willim_wilberforce)
I am therefore going to submit my 2 cents worth of political commentary
and this thread seems to me to be the best place to do so
I think that Obama's victory last week must rank as one of the three or four most important events in my life:-





others being

the Atomic Bombs in 1945.
It actually has led to a long sobering period of relative peace and the research might yet lead to the cheap and plentiful power supply the world so desperately needs

the tragedies of JFK in 1963 RFK and MLK in 1968 then Mrs Ghandi in 1984.



all assassinations are so unfair and such a waste
the moon landing in 1969
which led directly to incredible technology some of which we are enjoying by using the internet as well non-stick frying pans
The tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989
thanks to the combined efforts of Margaret Thatcher and The Great Communicator with the openness espoused by Mr Gorbachev
the terrible events of 9/11 (to all non Americans that should of course be 11/9!! ( just why are the dates on his forum displayed incorrectly??)
which if I may digress a bit and ignore the no religion rule too the deplorable anti-American attitude of people of a certain race and religion for me sums up the dangers and futility of religion. I have no argument with the principle that everybody should be free to follow their own particular beliefs and have a sneaking suspicion that the one truth is that there is indeed just the one God if there is one at all at all
(I consider myself "a confirmed agnostic") I have a theory that most of the troubles in the world are/were caused by over zealous adherents of one religion or another (the "troubles " in Northern Ireland were due i submit to differences and long held prejudices between Catholics and Protestants). I myself had personal experience of this when at the age of about 10 I developed a crush on our local butcher's daughter (her name was Ann but I can damn well still recall her face!)
and I clearly remember being "warned" off by my mother because
"they're Catholic and they are not like us"!!
finding Gord in 1967 then meeting Susan in the GL chat room in 1999,which is why I am able to post this rather than "feeding daisies" or whatever happens after your soul departs your body

[RM]

I had hitherto omitted reading this thread

Thank you.

[fezo]

Thanks, Sir John. Very well said.

I kept wanting to poke in here and tell everyone to stop responding because it looks like a case of hit and run by the original poster but I like a lot of what came out of it.

As far as Americans/Candians, several years ago we were up in Simcoe, ON and got hit with the quiz of what do you as an American know about Canada. I did OK, being able to name provinces, capitals and one or two politicians but it was quite an eye opener to find how much more Canadians knew of our land to the south than we did of those to the north.

[Jesse Joe]

http://www.johnfowles.org.uk/LIGHTFOOT/images/new_penelope.jpg

Burton Cummings & Randy Bachman saw a young Gordie Lightfoot in that club, and they told each other. " Some day that will be us." :)

[timetraveler]

It's amazing how so many walk around these days so totally unplugged from the actual world they inhabit but are literally plugged into the electronics of the day, listening to chatter/music and watching small screens with texts/videos etc..

I like to walk around, make eye contact, smile, say HI, how are you? to people. When you are unaware of what and who is around you the tendency to be polite and friendly is diminished, doors are not opened, banging into people while walking around occurs all the time, the tendency to be short tempered happens more often..it makes for a disengaged and sometimes surly population amongst those who don't engage in the hi-tech gadgetry.

I too would have found that experience way too weird RJ..but kids are used to so much TV from such a young age in some cases that voices coming at them with no person attached is normal I guess..lol

I'll never get used to folks walking around with their hands free phones, talking out loud, and sometimes TOO loud, having conversations in public that are totally inappropriate.

There seems to be an epidemic all over the world of the 'if you say something 'pro' or in praise" it automatically makes you 'anti' something..that speaks more to the listener than the speaker I think.
If I am 'anti' something I'm more than capable of making it crystal clear.

I must say, with thanks, that for the most part I have found folks quite appreciative of hearing/learning some facts/trivia about Canada/Canadians, be it posted here or in private e-mails. We here in Canada have U.S. news as front page coverage in our papers, the top story on our nightly news - our national magazine - Macleans, was just delivered with Obama on the front cover. Were there any U.S. magazines with our PM on it when he won the election a month ago? That's a rhetorical question by the way..
;)
Yet Canada is the largest trade partner of the U.S.:
As of December 2007 and according to the US Census, the ten largest trading partners of the United States represented 64.87% of U.S. Imports, and 58.67% of U.S. Exports in goods. The largest partners with their total trade in billions of US Dollars are as follows:

Canada: $561.55
China: $386.75
Mexico: $347.34
Japan: $208.13
Germany: $144.02
United Kingdom: $107.19
South Korea: $82.27
France: $69.00
Taiwan: $64.66
Saudi Arabia: $46.03

I try my best to hold a high standard of decorum here, for myself and hopefully for all posters. I have stated before that I always imagine that Gordon Lightfoot may at any time tune in so the deep respect I have for him must be reflected in the atmosphere of this board.

When he sees me he asks "Char! - what's new on the web?" I always tell him that his fans here send their hugs and love and are looking forward to the concerts coming up and hope he's doing great.

Yes JJ - we have 'election on demand' - channel 0 on the dial..lol
You can be my finance minister..I'll give everyone all the money they need to get to Lightfoot concerts..that's my election platform!..
;)
I ain't a gun totin', moose killin', snomobile ridin' hockey mum tho.
BUT from Toronto I CAN see the state of New York across Lake Ontario!
lololol
Char, I for one am glad that you have the high standards that you do for this site. All I can say is CARRY ON!:)

[charlene]

:)

[christine75]

Completey agree with ladya on this one too. :) I have been on here off and on since about 01/02 and never ever came across anything in here that was anti american or anti canadian. Just a bunch of corfidians showing are love for gordon and his music. :)

[timetraveler]

And speaking of Gord's music, sometime around the first part of next month I'm going to see if Barnes & Nobles can, or will, order me any of his other albums that may be on disc.

[johnfowles]

And speaking of Gord's music, sometime around the first part of next month I'm going to see if Barnes & Nobles can, or will, order me any of his other albums that may be on disc.

If you,are seated at your computer TT then why not "try ebay first"
my mantra whenever I want to buy something from printer inks to media cards etc
At this very moment if you really want CDs of Gord's superb early work (the 5 United Artists albums) you have a choice of the
4 LP set the United Artists collection
http://i11.ebayimg.com/01/c/05/a8/80/62_7.JPG
for only $9.98 (Buy it now_) at:-
http://cgi.ebay.com/GORDON-LIGHTFOOT-UNITED-ARTISTS-COLLECTION-49-TRACKS_W0QQitemZ290278203176QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMus ic_CDs?hash=item290278203176&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Or better still
the complete 5 LP set
because you simply must get Sunday Concert the best live album by any artist by a mile (or a kilometre)
The Original United Artists
http://i11.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/14/0f/3199_1.JPG
Starting bid only $3.99 at:-
http://cgi.ebay.com/GORDON-LIGHTFOOT-3-CD-Box-Set-The-Original-United-Artis_W0QQitemZ310103763450QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMusi c_CDs?hash=item310103763450&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
(both plus shipping of course)
But my best advice is to splurge on Sunday Concert Plus if you can it has 5 bonus tracks including the incomparable hit Spin Spin
There is one available for the buy it now price of $20.02 at:-
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunday-Concert-Plus-Lightfoot-Gordon-CD_W0QQitemZ330284471922QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMusic_C Ds?hash=item330284471922&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Go for it!!
tip go to:-
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZgordonQ20lightfootQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR8QQ _mdoZQQ_sopZ10

to see all GL items ordered newest first

[timetraveler]

to be perfectly honest, Sir John, I don't trust eBay. At least through Barnes & Noble, while it is a bit more expensive & takes a bit more time to get, they will have them mailed to my house, since I'm going to pre-pay for them.

[timetraveler]

Thanks, Sir John. Very well said.

I kept wanting to poke in here and tell everyone to stop responding because it looks like a case of hit and run by the original poster but I like a lot of what came out of it.

As far as Americans/Candians, several years ago we were up in Simcoe, ON and got hit with the quiz of what do you as an American know about Canada. I did OK, being able to name provinces, capitals and one or two politicians but it was quite an eye opener to find how much more Canadians knew of our land to the south than we did of those to the north.All too true Fez. You'd be horrified to learn just how little Americans know about their own country. I should know, as every time I turn around I'm learning something new practically everyday.

[timetraveler]

to be perfectly honest, Sir John, I don't trust eBay. At least through Barnes & Noble, while it is a bit more expensive & takes a bit more time to get, they will have them mailed to my house, since I'm going to pre-pay for them.Well, I got my order from Barnes & Noble just 2 days after I placed the order, so now I know just exactly what I'm going to order come the first of the New Year---Lightfoots Songbook!:)