Today, our beloved Canadian flag turns 50 years old. It’s modern design and simple colour scheme draws a sense of adoration from the global community, as a symbol of peacefulness and politeness (I might self-righteously say). So how should be celebrate that notable birthday?
Maybe you could just stare lovingly at the red and white and thank it for health-care, peace-keeping and the Underground Railroad.
Maybe you could thank it for the invention of Basketball (Thanks Mr. James Naismith) and Hockey (you heard me!)
Maybe you could watch a Rachel McAdams movie while listening to “Rude” by Magic (’cause it’s just so elfin’ good!)
You could practice drawing it.
Maybe you can read a Roberson Davies or Margaret Atwood book.
Maybe some of you still recovering from a night of romance and debauchery from Valentines Day might want to wrap yourselves in a flag while watching some Battlestar Galactica on DVD…
…Or, maybe you could take a note from one of our fearless leaders, who celebrated this way back in 1996…
CCT0118 – Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien moves an anti-poverty protester out of his way in Hull, Quebec on Feb. 15, 1996. The Prime Minister’s chokehold became known as the Shawinigan Handshake after his home town. / L’ancien premier ministre Jean Chrétien déplace un protestataire combattant la pauvreté hors de sa voie dans la coque, Québec le 15 février 1996. Le chokehold du premier ministre est devenu notoire comme prise de contact de Shawinigan après sa ville natale.
I was at the Eaton Centre this afternoon where a television had been set up beneath a giant Canadian flag. Along with a large and growing crowd we watched the Men’s Hockey Team defeat Latvia 2-1.
Hey everyone, here’s the latest from the Canadian Culture Thing postcard line…
CCT0115 – This photo was provided by the possessor of the alleged “Crack Video” that shows Toronto Mayor Rob Ford smoking crack in early 2013. Other than three corroborating reported viewings by twoToronto Star reporters and one from Gawker, the video has not yet surfaced. Though this photo is not taken from the video, it was allegedly taken during another “Ford crack run” and has become the symbolic image of the video
CCT0116 – Cover of “Sport Fishing in British Columbia” booklet 1953. / Couverture de livret “pêche de sport en B.C.” 1953.
CCT0117 – Concert poster for the Beatles at Maple Leaf Gardens on August 17, 1966. Having performed in Canada in 1964 and 1965, this would be their last concert in Canada. / Concertez l’affiche pour le Beatles aux jardins de feuille d’érable le 17 août 1966. L’exécution au Canada en 1964 et 1965, ceci serait leur dernier concert au Canada.
CCT0118 – Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien moves an anti-poverty protester out of his way in Hull, Quebec on Feb. 15, 1996. The Prime Minister’s chokehold became known as the Shawinigan Handshake after his home town. / L’ancien premier ministre Jean Chrétien déplace un protestataire combattant la pauvreté hors de sa voie dans la coque, Québec le 15 février 1996. Le chokehold du premier ministre est devenu notoire comme prise de contact de Shawinigan après sa ville natale.
CCT0119 – Northwest Mounties #2 comic book cover 1948.
CCT0120 – Animated Map of Canada c1953.
CCT0121 – The official Canadian Ensign Flag with the British Union Jack flag…and a beaver. c1934. / L’indicateur Canadien officiel d’insigne avec l’indicateur britannique d’Union Jack… et un castor. c1934.
Cover of Girls’ Friend Library Featuring The Shamed Wife, a compelling Novel of Canadian Life and Love. No. 387 May 4, 1933.
CCT0123 – Cover of Dominion of Canada Animated Atlas c1920. Newfoundland would not join Canada until 1949. / La couverture du dominion du Canada a animé l’atlas c1920. Newfoundland ne joindrait pas le Canada jusqu’en 1949.
CCT0124 – Looking east along College Street toward Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario c1908. / Regard est le long de la rue d’université vers l’avenue de Spadina Toronto, Ontario c1908.
CCT0125 – Looking south down Yonge Street toward Shuter Street Toronto, Ontario c1915. / Regard de la rue de Yonge de sud vers le bas vers la rue Toronto de Shuter, Ontario c1915.
CCT0126 – Looking east along Queen Street West toward at Macdonell Street Toronto, Ontario c1900. / Regarder est le long de la rue de la Reine occidentale vers la rue de Macdonell Toronto,Ontario c1900.
Looking northwest toward College Street Baptist Church (built 1889) at College Street and Palmerston Boulevard (formerly Muter Street) Toronto, Ontario c1909. / Regarder du nord-ouest vers l’église baptiste de rue College (construite 1889) la rue College et le boulevard de Palmerston (autrefois rue de Muter) Toronto,Ontario c1909.
Natalie Brown was by Valhalla and let me tell you, she’s prettier in person than in any photo or film. That says a lot! After a severe reprimand about having spelled her name incorrectly, Natalie was kind enough to sign her Canadian Culture Thing MapleLeafForever stamp on the back of CCT0113. I had unfortunately projected my French-ness on her Italian-ness (these two of course have nothing to do with Loch-ness) and I added an “H” to her name.
Timmins, Ontario native Natalie Brown (or Nathalie Brun as I like to call her) has appeared in a plethora (that’s right, plethora.) of films, television and commercials. She found her way into pop culture at a young age as the flirtatious Heinz Ketchup girl. From there her modeling career took off and she worked on campaigns for Noxema and Max Factor.
Natalie has appeared in countless films, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey and horror classics like the Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Saw V (2008). Though she has appeared in more TV shows than you can shake a stick at, Natalie starred in the comedy series Sophie (2008-2009).
As the memorable Bailey’s “hot girl”, Natalie Brown inspired TV and movie-goers, to not walk but run, RUN to liquor stores everywhere on chilly winter nights.
In 2010, Natalie appeared as Carol Haplin on the short-lived but super-cool Happy Town. Happy Town was yet another example of an awesome show that got canceled because it was too great for masses to appreciate (et al Firefly, Pushing Daisies, the Tick).
Reenactment of Natalie Brown explaining the proper spelling of her name.
