# The CanaDoper Café (2012 edition of The great, ongoing Canadian current events and politics thread.) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 1, 2012, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014 "2012-01-01T03:31:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 118
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2342 "2012-12-12T19:52:29Z")
There was a good article on cell phones in today’s Toronto Star - “[Ask to unlock when buying a cell phone](http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1301025--check-wireless-carrier-s-unlocking-policy-before-signing-up)”. Can’t abide the god-damn things, myself. E-mail? I get it. Internet message boards? I get it. FaceBook? I get it. Text messages? F\*ck off; call me and leave a message, or send me an e-mail. The keyboard on this laptop is as small as I want to deal with… The only reason I have a cell phone at all is because pay phones have all but disappeared; I still find it very difficult to understand what people are saying on a cell phone. Have you tried the ultra-high fibre stuff yet? Man, that does the trick in a hurry! ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2343 "2012-12-12T20:01:49Z")
> [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](#): > > The only reason I have a cell phone at all is because pay phones have all but disappeared; I still find it very difficult to understand what people are saying on a cell phone. Usually they are saying “I CAN’T HEAR YOU! YOU ARE BREAKING UP!” At least that is how my last conversation on a cell phone went today. Unfortunately, one of the big selling points of my cell phone is that I can use it as a high speed modem when my internet service craps out, which has been for the last few days. In a perfect world, my phone company’s personnel would be required to take long flights sitting beside telemarketers on budget airlines on a daily basis. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2344 "2012-12-12T22:17:52Z")
Since I’m in that foggy area where I still have tech advisors at home (kids), have regular movements and have been a tech geek for most of my life, I’m not completely lost yet. Tiger Direct and most larger computer places can sell you an unlocked phone. I have used Samsung’s phones for the last 9 years and my present one ( a Galaxy S) will be replaced by an S 3 or 4 before my contract runs out. Spoons, there is a bit of a learning curve but no worse than a new computer or car. In some ways buying a phone is easier now because of the SIM card. If you travel out of country you can purchase a pay as you go type plan in that country yet keep all your contacts and apps. This allows you to avoid those killer roaming charges. As far as plans go, decide what it is you are going to use your phone for. I have data becuase I like having a ready reference for things like restaurants or research and the built in gps is quite useful. The social side I barely use at all. Here is a site that might [help](http://www.mycellphonemyterms.com/General/) with getting a plan. My friend used it to set up his daughter’s phone and saved roughly $20/mo. ---
**Author:** ![Uzi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/91b2a8/32.png) [@Uzi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uzi)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2345 "2012-12-12T22:25:34Z")
> [@Dr\_Doom](#): > > The **Samsung** models are apparently just as good as **Apple** , and look identical, to me. When I came here almost two years ago, Apple was the shit. Now, I only see the ‘old’ folks using them. It is only in North America that they still hold the lion’s share of the market. Get the Galaxy Note 2, if available. For us older types, the large screen makes if a hell of a lot easier to see. I use it to watch videos on the way to work. Maps work a whole lot better on the larger screen. e-books are more enjoyable to read. A note on how badly Canadian service providers are screwing you. I bought my Note at one of the local electronic shops and went with a local provider for my plan. I pay about $30CDN for unlimited data, messaging, talk per month. About the same as my plan in Canada without data. I got that plan before my company made a deal with another provider that knocks $10 off that. I’ll switch in April. Broadband rates are just as cheap. Again, for about $30 I have a fibre connection into my apartment with a potential for a gigabit connection. I’m only paying for a 100mb connection at the moment. Add another $10 for gigabit. Unlimited upload and download.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2012, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2346 "2012-12-13T04:11:03Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > We’ll forgive you if you mail us cookies before Christmas. How about if I buy you a beer the next time I pass through your location? It looks like I’ll be making another drive to Toronto next summer. > [@Leaffan](#): > > Ah, **Spoons**. I’m a few years younger and a few years ahead of you on his curve, but I completely understand you. Remember thirty years ago when we used to joke about old folks not being able to program their VCR? > > We have become them. I was thinking about just that during this incident: “I’ve become my Dad, who could not program a VCR.” Thanks for the advice, folks. Where’s that Metamucil? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2012, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2347 "2012-12-13T04:20:53Z")
I think **swampspruce** is bogarting it. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2012, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2348 "2012-12-13T07:19:46Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > How about if I buy you a beer the next time I pass through your location? It looks like I’ll be making another drive to Toronto next summer. Looking forward to it. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Doom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Dr\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Doom)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2012, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2349 "2012-12-13T13:29:47Z")
Well, if I’m going to have sunrise smooth foisted into my diet, I insist on making a toddy of it, with my latest discovery, [Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkrzrLw525c/T3nsny-UVdI/AAAAAAAACFE/BorS5e2l7EA/s1600/Captain+Black+3cc.jpg). I have been drinking the regular spiced rum for many years with sugar and hot water, eggnog as appropriate, and occasionally other creamy-type liqueurs when moods have struck. A couple weekends ago I noticed this nectar singing sweetly from the shelf of the LCBO. Note the alcohol content, increased from the 35% of the original Spiced Rum. It is absolutely delicious, and aids not only in softening of stool, but reducing gravitas of household electronic pogramming. ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2012, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2350 "2012-12-14T05:07:05Z")
Just a reminder to all our Montréal Dopers that you’ve got some sweet, sweet [NLL action](http://www.nll.com/news_article/show/202155?referrer_id=422056) taking place on Saturday at the Bell Centre. Beats the hell out of a night of not watching Hockey night In Canada. 🙂 NLL regular season starts in 23 days… Yay! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2351 "2012-12-14T16:44:56Z")
> [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](#): > > Just a reminder to all our Montréal Dopers that you’ve got some sweet, sweet [NLL action](http://www.nll.com/news_article/show/202155?referrer_id=422056) taking place on Saturday at the Bell Centre. Beats the hell out of a night of not watching Hockey night In Canada. 🙂 > > NLL regular season starts in 23 days… Yay! Yay, Box Lacrosse! All the action and hitting and fighting of regular hockey, without all the irritating rules and millionaires arguing with billionaires. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2352 "2012-12-19T05:31:56Z")
Well, they’ll be giving the keys to the car to [Chris Hadfield](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Hadfield) once he’s delivered and settled in. Taking off in a few hours. Now we can take over the universe! [evil laugh][Bwa-ha-ha-ha!](http://youtu.be/1zMrmkMwz5Y)[/evil laugh] Then again, it could be that he’s just bugging out before the 21st gets the rest of us down here. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2353 "2012-12-19T06:18:09Z")
[Human flight in Montréal. Well, not entirely human.](http://youtu.be/CE0Q904gtMI) ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2354 "2012-12-20T12:14:16Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > [Human flight in Montréal. Well, not entirely human.](http://youtu.be/CE0Q904gtMI) Hoax admitted – the eagle/baby video was a college assignment. A+. > **[CTV News Video – Breaking Canada and World News, Local Stories](https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/?playlistId=1.1084930)** > > CTV News brings you the top videos and must-watch moments from Canada and around the world. Dive into breaking news, politics, weather, health and more. [http://blogue.centrenad.com/2012/12/19/centre-nad-reassures-montrealers-no-danger-of-being-snatched-by-a-royal-eagle/?lang=en#utm\_source=feed&utm\_medium=feed&utm\_campaign=feed](http://blogue.centrenad.com/2012/12/19/centre-nad-reassures-montrealers-no-danger-of-being-snatched-by-a-royal-eagle/?lang=en#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed) ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2355 "2012-12-20T12:34:34Z")
The 401 and the 402 were blocked off by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for an hour and a half yesterday. [Here is their pdf on what they are protesting.](http://www.cottfn.com/pdf/urgent.pdf) Well worth reading – some points: fair enough; other points: wtf. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Doom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/0ea827/32.png) [@Dr\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Doom)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2356 "2012-12-20T18:21:53Z")
I stopped reading when I got to this > [@](#): > > As First Nations are under federal jurisdiction any changes to federal legislation affects us; as in the amendments to _Navigable Water Protection Act_ and _Canada Labour Code_. > > **Government of Canada has not consulted with First Nations; Disregarding the Crown obligations for Consultation and Accommodation!** So, what? Every time Canada wishes to introduce changes to legislation (which affect First Nations, which is apparently ALL of it :rolleyes:), Parliament must needs consult forthwith and Abide the Demeanour of First Nations? Please. I like Indians as much as anyone, but can we please remember that running an entire country (and not a tiny reservation which is being referred to as a “Nation”) sometimes requires just a touch of pragmatism. These guys must be bored. ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2357 "2012-12-20T21:09:27Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > The 401 and the 402 were blocked off by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for an hour and a half yesterday. [Here is their pdf on what they are protesting.](http://www.cottfn.com/pdf/urgent.pdf) Well worth reading – some points: fair enough; other points: wtf. I sure am glad Calgary and the province of Alberta is continuing to negotiate with our aboriginal neighbors to the south west for the privilege of running our proposed ring road through their land. Nothing bad could possibly happen if we eventually do that! :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2012, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2358 "2012-12-21T10:05:12Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > The 401 and the 402 were blocked off by Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for an hour and a half yesterday. [Here is their pdf on what they are protesting.](http://www.cottfn.com/pdf/urgent.pdf) Well worth reading – some points: fair enough; other points: wtf. Interestingly, the National Post does not appear to be allowing readers to post comments on this issue. [Cite.](http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/20/on-eve-of-national-idle-no-more-protest-hunger-striking-attawapiskat-chief-pushes-harper-to-lead-change/) ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2359 "2012-12-22T18:04:11Z")
I just wanted to say a quick ‘Merry Christmas’ to all who celebrate it. Wishing peace, hope and happiness to one and all. We’re off to where the internet is a fable… ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2360 "2012-12-22T20:22:01Z")
Enjoy! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2012, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014/2361 "2012-12-23T03:15:03Z")
Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, **Le Ministre**. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014.md?page=117) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-canadoper-cafe-2012-edition-of-the-great-ongoing-canadian-current-events-and-politics-thread/608014.md?page=119)