Anybody home in BC?

I need a show taped off CBC's Newsworld.

Was it the Queen Mom's funeral?

No, something that's likely not to be discussed but of great significance to me. CBC Newsworld has a documentary called 'X-Change' that involves a man from Alberta who trades places with from some guy from Quebec and experiences extreme culture shock.

I wonder how the rest of Canada feels about this.

I spent 6 months in Quebec on a french lang course. Also spent a lot of time out in the public. Out of 17 years in the Forces, those six months were my worst experience ever. Anybody familiar with the Base in St. Jean-sur-Richeleiu? Imagine your living quarters, classrooms, stores, theatres, cafeterias, bars, gym, pool, bank, etc all in one huge building, capable of housing about 6,000 people…and you can't open any windows for fresh air!

Was this 'tour of duty' compulsory as a requirement to fulfill mandatory bilingual status? I wonder if other soldiers from Quebec had to undergo similar training elsewhere in Canada. Did you use any of the French you learned there? One thing I don't understand about Canada is that while they say this is a bilingual country you will NOT find free exchange of both languages in Cranbrook BC nor in Cornerbrook Nfld. Its a scam!

IMHO, it is a scam. It was compulsory language training, as all regular force officers are required to take it. It also counts towards your standing on merit lists. On my first day there, the chief professor said "85% of you from western Canada will not achieve the minimum required score." And he was right. I was in the majority. After the course, they sent me to a place to practice it, the 'french' community of Wainwright Alberta (tongue-in-cheek). I can't recall where francophone officers go for english language training. A majority of them join already bilingual. That is why a disproportionately higher number of Francophones are senior Officers in the Regular Force.

In my first days in St. Jean, a friend and I (both of Ukrainian background) went to the Sears store in town. A clerk came to help us, speaking in french. We both apologized, in English, and said we were just begining our course, and couldn't understand anything yet (Except 'Ou est le cle?') She continued in french, and we could tell she was saying something insulting by her tone. So I turned to my friend, and made a comment about the clerk, in Ukrainian! ('Dourna pootska'!)My friend answered back, in Ukrainian. Suddenly, the clerk was able to speak english. The same thing happened about a month later in Montreal.

So my suggestion to unite the country is: Have the CBC broadcast in Ukrainian for ten minutes, with all persons in the country required to watch. Like magic, everyone will be fluent in English at the end of the broadcast!

LOL Now there's a language… My boyfriend has a Ukrainian background, so I've heard the odd word, and even learned a few. I can say some, but can't spell… never learned how. Can barely IMAGINE how to spell them…

PS, what's a pootska? I like the ring of that word.

what's a pootska?

A slightly more vulgar way of saying that someone is a 'binyak'

A slightly more vulgar way of saying that someone is a 'binyak'

Oh come on… I don't know what a binyak is either!!! I've heard them call their pesty nephews a 'yatsko' sometimes. That's how it sounds… now how is it spelled?

(Hey, you guys should teach me some Ukrainian I can let slip next time I'm around the paw-in-law. Hmm… be nice, though. ;o) )

alright for Ukrainians!!!!! YA!

-BD

Hilarious! Its because a disporportionate number of Francophones are in Ottawa making all the important decisions. Its time to storm Quebec and take it over, how can it be that just ONE province has the final reign over all. They even keep the Maritimes hostage, France has an island over here too (Pierre Miqueilon, something like that).

I don't know, the french we took in high-school was just to keep us quiet with their baguettes and Bonnehomme and Bienvenue my ass!

When I grew up in the West, it didn't matter where you were from, everybody had their own culture and you were free to engage in anybody else's culture too. Ukranian easter eggs and keilbasa, its all good.

My wife is Ukrainian, second generation. The food is sure good and they are likely second to none when it comes to lusty celebrations.

The food is sure good and they are likely second to none when it comes to lusty celebrations.

Offhand, I would say that they do rank slightly behind Roma (gypsy) celebrations. But a lot more frequent!

True. Tradition with the Julian and embracing the Gregorian. Wonderful immigrants.

I'm 1/8 Ukrainian. My mom grew up spending summers with her Grandparents(Ukrainian). If I want I could learn a lot of Ukrainian.

If there's such a thing as reincarnation, I've learned that the worst thing would be to come back as a woman (they work too hard) and the best thing would be to come back as the son of Ukrainian parents, treated like a god.

the best thing would be to come back as the son of Ukrainian parents, treated like a god.

Amend that to 'oldest son'. It's even better.

:-)

Only the first-born

That's funny Sarge. My brother-in-law wanted Seattle, (after Calgary) , got Newfoundland for 18 months (a whole other story) and now will likely be transferred to Virginia just outside D.C. That's part of my point, he'll now be getting paid in American greenbacks, lower tax rate, and a substantially higher RRSP ceiling.(the other point as you know is the family). It's good to be married to a Ukrainian gal. They're gorgeous, hard workers , great cooks, pamper their men, and don't forget, lusty. I'll be leaving my job feet first. His feet will be resting on some barstool at that place Pooga was at over Winter no doubt checking out his retirement spots.
,No

Got that, oldest, or only. Treated and pampered be the females, usually 2-4 sisters. Great catches. Pooga, if you have an older brother it would explain some things but I would bet that you are the eldest.

They're gorgeous, hard workers , great cooks, pamper their men, and don't forget, lusty.

Hmmm, my wife is 100% Uke, guess someone forgot to tell her. Add smart and loyal. So 5 out of 7 still passes in my books!

I would bet that you are the eldest.

Got it right the first time. But we were a small family as Ukrainian families go. Guess where Sarge fit!

Does Sarge come from a family? Just kidding. He must be the youngest.

He must be the youngest

Nope, the youngest is a rebel. Commitment is a four-letter word.

Sarge is in the middle. We're 2 1/2 years apart, the youngest is 8 years younger yet… so we ignored him. :-)
(The youngest says that me being away in the seminary for 3 years, followed by Sarge for 3 years, made him think he only had one brother till he was 10!)

It all comes together now. It's like finishing a crossword puzzle.