No wonder you didn't reply to my email about the Canucks/Leafs game.
But good on you Rick, not all Canadians need to watch hockey. Personally I'm a fan of the big 3, hockey, basketball and football. NFL though, I can't stand CFL. The rule changes are too much in the favour of a passing game only and the production values seem less than Collage football.
The whole hockey thing is actually something I've been getting annoyed of lately. This country puts way too much emphasis in the sport that it dwarfs any other support for the others.
In fact, the association of patriotism and sports in Canada has been really laid on thick. For example, Canadian teams get preferential broadcasting for other sports other than hockey. Basketball and baseball is the worst. There could be an awesome rivalry NBA game scheduled, say OKC vs Miami, but it won't get broadcasted because its not the crappy Raptors. Baseball's the same, unless its the Bluejays, we don't care to show anything else. Not sure if this is different back east, but in the west its real sad that we're forced to watch the two Toronto teams.
I personally would not like hockey to define Canadians. We've done much more than that (see inventions, our part in wars, our social advancements, environmental awareness, great taste in beer...).
We try so hard to differentiate ourselves from Americans, that its really only cared about in this country, something that strokes our own egos. You're average American knows nothing about Canada, nor do they care to, USA has enough problems of their own. And in the world, unless you specifically point-out that you're Canadian, most people just assume you're american. But i advise you to do point-out you're Canadian, especially in the European countries, you'll get more friendly interactions.
This is a big deal for me lately because the wife and i are planning our first child, and it got me thinking what sport will he/she clamber onto? I want my kid(s) to have a variety of choice, not just raise your typical Canadian hockey players.
Sorry for the rant.
Back on topic, if you are going to mark where its made, i'd suggest branding it on the inside.
(Actually, this whole thing got me thinking that perhaps the wood that the other guys are using is from Canada too! I wouldn't be surprised if it was imported wood...
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