ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (JillA @ Jul 20 2009, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 20 2009, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Theres a cheesesteak place in Philly that has a sign on it's window that says: "ORDER IN ENGLISH ONLY!"

and I always see shirts down at the shore for sale that say: "Welcome to America, SPEAK ENGLISH!"

I dunno, that kind of attitude disgusts me. I understand the frustration of language barriers, BUT imagine how someone must feel coming here. They are probably more frustrated and overwhelmed than we are. I mean we deal with it off and on, and for them it's constant.


I heard about that steak place... I would NEVER give them any business! Bunch of bigots mad.gif

So it's a sign of bigotry when a business expects customers to speak in that country's dominant language? Interesting. I guess every American should learn every other language, so we can better accommodate those who enter the U.S. and refuse to learn themselves.

What's really fascinating is that Americans are called "bad tourists" if we expect people in other countries to know and speak English. We're called "bad tourists" if we refuse to speak in that country's language. But if Americans demand that foreigners speak English, well... we're bigots.

Edited by DeadPoolX, 20 July 2009 - 12:52 PM.

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-07-20 12:50:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 20 2009, 10:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What living down in Texas you never ran into a language barrier with the Spanish speaking population?

Canada has a huge Asian population, that's what it's like in the cities. I don't know about a "rule" that you HAVE to speak English or French. Canada is a little more accepting of diversity... yes you should try to speak English but I don't know about a rule. It sounded like he was trying to speak English though which is good, sometimes you'll just get a grunt and a nod. laughing.gif


AND

QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 20 2009, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Deadpool, there is no rule that someone can enforce to make you speak any language. We have two national languages, this is true. But there is no rule that you have to speak either of them.

Okay, so what's the point of an official language? I was told that all immigrants had to learn to speak English or French and had to take language classes when entering. The reason the U.S. has so much trouble is because there is no official language. If it doesn't make a difference, then why bother making any language official?

Regardless of "diversity", this guy was acting as the entire building's manager. That means he was responsible for EVERYONE there. So needed to know English well enough to understand and communicate effectively. He didn't and that could've caused some real problems.

QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 20 2009, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Jul 20 2009, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
celebrate that diversity, deadpool good.gif


He's from Texas. They don't like diversity down there. laughing.gif

Idiot. wacko.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-07-20 12:45:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
In general, I really like my apartment building. However, there was an incidence yesterday that really ticked me off.

My wife drove home from grocery shopping and she noticed a man just "hanging around" in the parking garage. He wasn't waiting at the entrance door and he wasn't moving to any car in particular. This concerned my wife. The man didn't seem overly dangerous (although she was worried about that too), but when she got up to our apartment, she told me about him. We both figured he might be looking into break into someone's car.

My car has "the club" on it and the ignition can only be started by the microchips in our car keys. I suppose it'd be possible to hotwire, but that'd be really difficult and probably be far more effort than most car thieves would want. Regardless, we didn't want someone breaking into ANY car down there.

So we called the downstairs management. Some guy answered (not the normal manager) and his command of the English language was about as good as my Russian. I started telling him about the guy in the garage and he responded, "Have the window washers come by yet?"

I wasn't sure what to say to that. Yes, there were window washers making the rounds outside the building, but that was a completely separate topic. I ask him for the number to call security. He says, "Secure, yes, it's secure."

Okay... I ask him again and he gives me a phone number, only it's lacking the last four digits. I tell him that and he repeats it.

At this point, I was getting really pissed off. I hand the phone over to my wife who's more patient than I am and she has the same trouble. After wrestling with this for about ten minutes, we finally get the number. We call it and it's out of service.

Both my wife and I were annoyed. Not just because the phone number was either wrong or out of service, but because the stand-in manager could barely speak English. As far as I know, in Canada you have to speak either English or French (and probably both if living in Ottawa). Even though this manager was only temporary, he needed to be able to communicate better than that!

As an aside... he was Asian. That point becomes relevant in a moment. My wife and I live in a building where there are a lot of Asians and while on the phone, the stand-in manager said, "I speak Asian." We didn't even ask WHAT he spoke, but here's where my confusion comes in: there's more than one Asian language. For example, I'm pretty sure Japanese and Vietnamese are a little different.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-07-20 12:11:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 19 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, it was a joke because they're both nutty.

Well... yeah, I was kidding. tongue.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-07-19 16:14:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jul 19 2009, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jul 19 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Nev- I've decided that your MIL and my bridezilla would make the perfect pair.


Hells ya! I think she's marrying the wrong man, she should marry my MIL. laughing.gif

Hmm... is there something we should know about your MIL? unsure.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-07-19 13:44:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jun 1 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Jun 1 2009, 04:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jun 1 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My mum got colon cancer last year but they caught it EXTREMELY early. (shes a hypochondriac)

She got radiation appointments right away. They are going to make you wait unless it's, as you say, life or death. Is it right? Probably not but it's the best you've got right now.

True.

As I said, my condition isn't life threatening. So other than annoyance, it's not a big deal overall.

I suppose there needs be a greater incentive for doctors in Canada. As it is, there's a huge shortage which contributes to these wait times.


You missed the great doctor escape of the early 90s. My parents had to change doctors at least 3 times due to their doctors leaving to make more money in the US. What can you do? It's universal health care. There are no incentives really. But I don't feel bad for doctors...we talk about it like they make pennies when..well..they don't.

Whether or not we feel doctors make enough isn't really the issue. The point is that doctors make more money in the U.S., therefore in order to combat that financial incentive, Canada needs to make some changes.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:24:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (thetreble @ Jun 1 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My mum got colon cancer last year but they caught it EXTREMELY early. (shes a hypochondriac)

She got radiation appointments right away. They are going to make you wait unless it's, as you say, life or death. Is it right? Probably not but it's the best you've got right now.

True.

As I said, my condition isn't life threatening. So other than annoyance, it's not a big deal overall.

I suppose there needs be a greater incentive for doctors in Canada. As it is, there's a huge shortage which contributes to these wait times.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:20:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Jun 1 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Jun 1 2009, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to see an ENT (ear/nose/throat doctor) and so I went to my GP. He said they'd schedule an appointment. Well, his office did, but it's in August!

That's insane. BC Health is a joke. I know BlueCross is here, so maybe I should go with them.

Okay, my visit to the ENT isn't life-threatening so beyond annoyance, it's not a huge deal. But what if someone needed to see a specialist on a (potentially) life-or-death issue? Are they supposed to wait months until a specialist and/or procedure is freed up? By that time they could be dead. I guess that's why Canadians sometimes go down to the U.S. for specialists and procedures. It may cost more, but you don't have to wait months on end to see someone.

As an aside... my appointment is on August 14. That's not only my wife's birthday, but when I "landed" in Canada. Since it's a Friday, I'd prefer keeping that day open, but I figure if I reschedule I probably won't see someone until December!

Deadpool.. you are certainly entitled to your opinion and all, but honestly.. buck it up princess.. laughing.gif

If it was a life & death issue.. you would be seen, either an earlier appt. would be given or you would be on a cancellation list.. on that note, call the specialist back and ASK to be on the cancellation list. If you are flexible with your dates and availability, you'll often get in faster.

For me a cancellation list might work. I have time. Waiting is extremely annoying, but I still have time.

If someone had a life-and-death issue to deal with, a cancellation list would hurt them. They would need to see a specialist immediately. Cancer, for instance, can't wait for months.


QUOTE (Sprailenes @ Jun 1 2009, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Canadian health care is no joke... the health care down here is.

Don't even get me started on this pile of ####### system they have down here that caters most to the people who can afford it. smile.gif

I much prefer the U.S. health care system. It's efficient. Besides... if you can afford it, why not get treatment faster? That's how life works with all businesses.

QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ Jun 1 2009, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Emancipation @ Jun 1 2009, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Jun 1 2009, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to see an ENT (ear/nose/throat doctor) and so I went to my GP. He said they'd schedule an appointment. Well, his office did, but it's in August!

That's insane. BC Health is a joke. I know BlueCross is here, so maybe I should go with them.

Okay, my visit to the ENT isn't life-threatening so beyond annoyance, it's not a huge deal. But what if someone needed to see a specialist on a (potentially) life-or-death issue? Are they supposed to wait months until a specialist and/or procedure is freed up? By that time they could be dead. I guess that's why Canadians sometimes go down to the U.S. for specialists and procedures. It may cost more, but you don't have to wait months on end to see someone.

As an aside... my appointment is on August 14. That's not only my wife's birthday, but when I "landed" in Canada. Since it's a Friday, I'd prefer keeping that day open, but I figure if I reschedule I probably won't see someone until December!

Deadpool.. you are certainly entitled to your opinion and all, but honestly.. buck it up princess.. laughing.gif

If it was a life & death issue.. you would be seen, either an earlier appt. would be given or you would be on a cancellation list.. on that note, call the specialist back and ASK to be on the cancellation list. If you are flexible with your dates and availability, you'll often get in faster.


Two and a half months for a medical appointment does seem to be a bit much.

It does when it would take me a week at most to see any doctor in the U.S.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:18:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ Jun 1 2009, 01:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Jun 1 2009, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need to see an ENT (ear/nose/throat doctor) and so I went to my GP. He said they'd schedule an appointment. Well, his office did, but it's in August!

That's insane. BC Health is a joke. I know BlueCross is here, so maybe I should go with them.

Okay, my visit to the ENT isn't life-threatening so beyond annoyance, it's not a huge deal. But what if someone needed to see a specialist on a (potentially) life-or-death issue? Are they supposed to wait months until a specialist and/or procedure is freed up? By that time they could be dead. I guess that's why Canadians sometimes go down to the U.S. for specialists and procedures. It may cost more, but you don't have to wait months on end to see someone.

As an aside... my appointment is on August 14. That's not only my wife's birthday, but when I "landed" in Canada. Since it's a Friday, I'd prefer keeping that day open, but I figure if I reschedule I probably won't see someone until December!


Do you get assisgned an appointmet based upon the severity of your condition?

I have no clue. It may vary between provinces.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:10:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
I need to see an ENT (ear/nose/throat doctor) and so I went to my GP. He said they'd schedule an appointment. Well, his office did, but it's in August!

That's insane. BC Health is a joke. I know BlueCross is here, so maybe I should go with them.

Okay, my visit to the ENT isn't life-threatening so beyond annoyance, it's not a huge deal. But what if someone needed to see a specialist on a (potentially) life-or-death issue? Are they supposed to wait months until a specialist and/or procedure is freed up? By that time they could be dead. I guess that's why Canadians sometimes go down to the U.S. for specialists and procedures. It may cost more, but you don't have to wait months on end to see someone.

As an aside... my appointment is on August 14. That's not only my wife's birthday, but when I "landed" in Canada. Since it's a Friday, I'd prefer keeping that day open, but I figure if I reschedule I probably won't see someone until December!

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-06-01 15:05:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you need to get over it... INFINITY! biggrin.gif

I win. Say it... saaaay it.

laughing.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 15:22:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think you need to get over a lot more. happy.gif

Oh yeah? I think you need to get over a lot more than I need to get over! tongue.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 15:19:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 01:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Funny I seem to recall us being on a US based immigration forum where such conversations about the US lacking good food is common. tongue_ss.gif

I really think you just need to get over it. wink.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 15:17:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (JillA @ May 27 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ May 27 2009, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to just get over it DPX.

I don't like liver but I don't need to constantly explain it to people. I don't like it, so what. Others do... so what.

Simple.

I'm not telling anyone they can't like it or shouldn't use it. I was merely having a discussion with someone else who was attempting to "sell me" on the supposed value of Twitter. I declined, but she wouldn't take "no" for an answer (which eventually led me to tell her to ** off).

The YouTube cartoon I posted merely illustrates my feelings on Twitter. That's my opinion. You can agree or disagree.


This conversation sounds sooo familiar, didn't we have it last week? tongue.gif

Funny, I seem to recall that most of you complain about items not found in the U.S. every day! whistling.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 15:09:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (thetreble @ May 27 2009, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ May 27 2009, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to just get over it DPX.

I don't like liver but I don't need to constantly explain it to people. I don't like it, so what. Others do... so what.

Simple.

I'm not telling anyone they can't like it or shouldn't use it. I was merely having a discussion with someone else who was attempting to "sell me" on the supposed value of Twitter. I declined, but she wouldn't take "no" for an answer (which eventually led me to tell her to ** off).

The YouTube cartoon I posted merely illustrates my feelings on Twitter. That's my opinion. You can agree or disagree.


No, DPX. It is your opinion x 100000000. We get it! You don;t like it, man! laughing.gif I promise I will never try to sell it to you! (although I don't use it myself so..)

I've mentioned my disdain for Twitter twice, at most. I hardly think that's any more annoying (or repetitive) than most of you complaining about food items or whatever else. wacko.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 14:37:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 27 2009, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to just get over it DPX.

I don't like liver but I don't need to constantly explain it to people. I don't like it, so what. Others do... so what.

Simple.

I'm not telling anyone they can't like it or shouldn't use it. I was merely having a discussion with someone else who was attempting to "sell me" on the supposed value of Twitter. I declined, but she wouldn't take "no" for an answer (which eventually led me to tell her to ** off).

The YouTube cartoon I posted merely illustrates my feelings on Twitter. That's my opinion. You can agree or disagree.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 14:27:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
So I've been talking with a friend and I still don't "get" Twitter. She doesn't understand why I don't. I've tried explaining it to her, but it falls on deaf ears.

The cartoon below sums up my feelings on Twitter:

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-27 13:21:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (thetreble @ May 26 2009, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Rob and Mel @ May 26 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (thetreble @ May 26 2009, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I think I've had enough of my boss and my commute.


So now is when you start to find inventive ways to anonymously irritate your boss. rofl.gif


laughing.gif We had a meeting today and I was questioning EVERYTHING she set up for one of our projects. She was getting so mad. cool.gif

There is not a word in the english language that can effectively describe how much I detest her now though, for so many reasons.

I know we are in a recession, but I am now beginning to seek a job closer to where I live. (I've decided that she's part of my problem though and I can't take it any more )

You could always give the annoy-a-tron a whirl. I'm sure that'd drive your boss crazy! innocent.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-26 15:40:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (Sprailenes @ May 25 2009, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is hard some days isn't it Cat. I coudn't agree with you more.

I went to a bridal shower with my MIL a few weeks back and people would ask me the typical: "How's married life question" I was just honest and said:

"Well they say first year is always the hardest and with me moving here and everything, its been challenging but I don't regret it" and people automatically thought we were in trouble. When I talked to my MIL the other day she said she got several emails asking if we were okay.

Seriously? Oh okay I forgot I can't be honest. Next time I'll just smile and say:
IT'S JUST GREAT! I LOVE BEING MARRIED ITS THE GREATEST THING IN THE WORLD! I JUST STAND BY MY MAN AND KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT! GOLLY GEE! IF YOU LOOK 'HAPPY' UP IN THE DICTIONARY YOU'LL SEE..... US! *sparkly teeth smile with a quick dainty curtsy*

You know what? If my wife said that, I'd have no respect for her. None whatsoever.

Maybe that seems harsh, but I wouldn't expect -- nor would I want -- a wife who couldn't think or act for herself. She's not my slave, she's my partner.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-25 18:46:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (JillA @ May 24 2009, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think I know what you're referring to... isn't it just those clips they play BEFORE the trailers even start? I don't mean commericals when the lights go down, then the trailers then the movies? It's the clips before all that, if you're early to the movie. If that's what it is, go right when the movie starts tongue.gif

A good idea; however, it's rarely possible given that good seating is difficult to get unless you arrive early. But yeah... if I could arrive just before the trailers, I would.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-24 18:11:00
CanadaThe Vent - Part 2
QUOTE (FormelyCA @ May 24 2009, 10:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ May 24 2009, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (FormelyCA @ May 24 2009, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ May 24 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife and I went to the movies last night. We had free passes for Star Trek and while the movie was good, we both were decidedly unimpressed. But that's not the point of this vent.

I've complained about this before, but all the damn commercials preceding the trailers are exceedingly annoying. Those are irritating by nature, but when every other word in those commercials is "Canada" or "Canadian" it makes me want to hit someone.

I know I'm in Canada so there will be a greater emphasis on Canada and Canadians. That's fine. I accept that. However, those commercials are annoying with their sole focus on Canada.

This is what it's like: "We're here in this Canadian studio to interview this Canadian actor who filmed a movie in Canada and is now sitting in his Canadian chair while eating his Canadian lunch. Earlier today, he took his Canadian dog for a walk (which made a Canadian ####### on Canadian streets) all of which was in Canada!"

Good God. Was that even necessary? blink.gif

My wife says that doing so educates people on what is Canadian and raises their self-esteem.

Okay, so... in order for Canadians to feel good about themselves, they require getting force-fed annoying pre-trailer commercials (none of which anyone really wants to see, no matter where you live) on material they obviously didn't care enough about to learn on their own.

Wow. That's mind blowing. It really is. If Canadians need something so trivial to boost their self-esteem, there are larger problems at work. As far as people finding out this info, well... if they were interested in it, they would look it up on their own.


Well, I have not been to the movies in Canada in ages, but, I have a hard time believing that your "quoted" section is actually verbatim. So, you lost me there.

And as for the last part, as you plainly stated, it is your wife who says that. And it is not each Canadians individual SELF esteem being raised, but is the esteem of our country to know that not everything movie related, as commonly perceived, comes from Hollywood.

But alas, it is your wifes views anyways.

Of course that isn't verbatim. wacko.gif

I was giving an example of how ludicrous the whole thing is, that's all.

And as I said, if Canada's self-esteem hinges on pre-trailer commercial information, there are far greater and more important issues to deal with.



I know it wasn't verbatim, and I can't STAND when people do this (maybe this is MY vent laughing.gif) they say something like, "Yes, DUH, I was EXAGGERATING". Well, then of course your EXAGGERATION is ridiculous!! But a sound bite stating, "Canadian born actress Jenny Smith now appearing in ..." is not so crazy huh???

I just hate when people give INSANE "examples" of something, EVER SO MILDLY similar to what they are talking about, and then say SEE! CRAZY HUH!!!

I'll make sure to record those commercials for you next time. tongue.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-05-24 13:09:00
CanadaCredit Cards
QUOTE (Wyatt's Torch @ Oct 27 2009, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bradcanuck @ Oct 27 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I find Canadian credit cards are way behind or just seem different. In America, credit cards are just standard. I know many Canadians who don't even have a credit card.

I think it's just a different market or attitude or something that makes cards less "demanded". I can't explain it I guess.


I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around debit-only credit cards...ones that aren't credit cards, but are still Visa or Master Card.

My wife doesn't understand my confusion. I'm just so used to having a debit card, which is from my bank, and a credit card, which is also from my bank, but distinctly a CREDIT card.

Do you mean debit cards that have the Visa or MasterCard logo on them? That's because the U.S. uses an offline debit system which means you can swipe-and-sign a debit transaction just as you would when using a credit card. The U.S. doesn't use access cards either. So maybe that's part of it, as well.

Canada uses an online system, which requires the PIN. You can't swipe-and-sign.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 13:08:00
CanadaCredit Cards
QUOTE (bradcanuck @ Oct 27 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I find Canadian credit cards are way behind or just seem different. In America, credit cards are just standard. I know many Canadians who don't even have a credit card.

I think it's just a different market or attitude or something that makes cards less "demanded". I can't explain it I guess.

From what I understand, debit is far more standardized and protected in Canada than it is in the United States. That's probably due to requiring a PIN for Canadian debit transactions, whereas in the U.S., you can use a PIN or swipe-and-sign. That makes using debit far less sure (at least to me, anyway).

I find a lot of people -- both American and Canadian -- use debit if they have trouble paying off their credit cards. It makes them keep track of their finances, instead of simply slapping more charges to their credit card.

Having said that, I really prefer credit cards. You can improve your credit rating (or get one if you're new to the country) and most have some sort of perk. If I'm going to spend money, I'd like to get something back for it.

Edited by DeadPoolX, 27 October 2009 - 01:05 PM.

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 13:03:00
CanadaCredit Cards
QUOTE (KnJ @ Oct 27 2009, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There ARE charity cards in Canada:

http://creditcards.r...y-Credit-Cards/

(although not too many)

I like the MBNA Canadian Wildlife Federation MasterCard. I'll look into getting that.

Thanks for the link! smile.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 12:33:00
CanadaCredit Cards
Yeah, I have the TD First Class Visa Infinite card. Apparently that's TD's best credit card. I earn 3 TD Points for every $1 I spend (plus a bunch of other benefits). I think I have something like 25,000 points on that card.

On my Capital One card, I have over 75,000 points (I came to Canada with just under 30,000 points) and there's not a whole lot I can buy for that. I can, however, get a fairly decent plane ticket paid for by it. I'm saving up points for a vacation. I'd like to visit Seattle, Jasper Park, and explore the less inhabited areas of Vancouver Island as I've already been to Victoria and Nanaimo.

Anyway... I just wonder why specialty perks cards aren't available in Canada. The example I made up above (for the WWF) is what I mean.

It's not a huge deal, but if Americans can have it, why not Canadians too? It seems Canadians get shafted a lot. mad.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 11:39:00
CanadaCredit Cards
QUOTE (thetreble @ Oct 27 2009, 05:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not quite sure, really. Never thought about it before. I don't know, I feel like it's the same reason that banks in Canada don't offer incentives or special things. IThe Feds have great oversight, so the fees are high and nothing is competitive. In the US, of course it's the opposite, so theyw ill do what they can to get you in the door.

As for credit cards, my parents and I have always had one issued by our bank and not by a company like Capital One..so I'm not sure if the same applies?

Yeah, that annoys me a bit. I hate the fact "free checking accounts" don't exist. I can understand paying a fee or keeping a minimum balance for an account that gains interest, but for a non-interest checking account? Seems like a scam to me.

I went with TD, since they won't charge a monthly fee so long as you keep a balance above a certain number (depends on your account type). I don't care for that, but it's better than RBC which charges regardless of which account you have.

As for Capital One, I think they're actually a real bank. They don't have the same coverage Bank of America or Chase does, but I've seen their banks before.

Can you get a credit card from a bank you don't have an account with? My credit card is from TD (the same bank I have an account with) and my wife's is from RBC (the bank she has an account with). I'm interested in knowing. tongue.gif

QUOTE (warlord @ Oct 27 2009, 05:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Oct 27 2009, 01:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why don't Canadian credit cards include specialty perks or designs? Here's an example from BoA that shows what I'm talking about. I'd like to donate to the WWF (that's World Wildlife Fund, not World Wrestling Federation) whenever I'm purchasing something. BoA has other options too and so do most American card lenders.


Oohhhh you could always get a WWE credit card and earn points to buy stuff from the World Wrestling Federation. There's a card for everything these days...

Unfortunately, you're absolutely right about that... blink.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 07:52:00
CanadaCredit Cards
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Oct 27 2009, 04:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
huh... that's a cool idea. I have not seen that before either. We do sometimes have a choice of funky designs (my Capital One card in Canada has a Canadian flag on it, for example... which I did to remind myself later on that this is my Canadian credit card laughing.gif ).

p.s. the WWF is now just the World Wildlife Fund.... the 'other' WWF is now called the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment, or something like that). lol

The last time I watched wrestling (a very rare occurrence) was when Hulk Hogan was active. tongue.gif

As for Capital One... well, in the U.S. they have the option to import an image onto the card and have that issued. My CapOne card has a picture of my wife and me at our wedding. We get comments on it all the time. Usually from women, actually.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 07:06:00
CanadaCredit Cards
Okay, I'd like to start this off by saying following: I AM NOT CRITICIZING CANADA!! wow.gif

I have two American credit cards (Capital One and Bank of America) and two Canadian credit cards (TD and HBC) and they're all really good. I get perks (points, miles, etc) with all of them, but... one thing still escapes me.

Why don't Canadian credit cards include specialty perks or designs? Here's an example from BoA that shows what I'm talking about. I'd like to donate to the WWF (that's World Wildlife Fund, not World Wrestling Federation) whenever I'm purchasing something. BoA has other options too and so do most American card lenders.

I realize that's not necessary and as I said before, my cards are great as they are. However, there are all sorts of organizations Canadians would like to support. If they could do it by buying stuff using a credit card, why wouldn't banks be all over this? It'd not only make them money, but gain them good publicity too!

So... anyone know why these sorts of options aren't offered? unsure.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 01:15:00
CanadaDenied entry to US - what would you do?
Being denied entry won't affect your visa at all. I doubt your husband's comments will make a difference one way or the other.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 14:20:00
CanadaThings you do with your spouse / S.O. while apart
Phone sex. devil.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-29 16:41:00
CanadaNew cameras for Biometrics?
QUOTE (bradcanuck @ Oct 30 2009, 08:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So the last time I went in for bio, I got my picture taken. My hair wasn't done and I was sort of tired. The picture came out decent because the quality was not that great.

I got my mug shot yesterday and I think they got 9000 megapixel cameras because I can see every flaw and individual hair on my face. She showed me the picture and said "See these look better than the DMV." I asked if I could run to the drug store to have a shave and do my hair. She laughed and said it won't matter, the picture is seen by you and border guards and that's about it.

DOH!

I'd like a 9000 megapixel camera. kicking.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-30 14:32:00
CanadaHotels -- Vancouver
There are four hotels within close walking distance:



Those hotels are listed in order of closest to furthest from 1095 West Pender Street. I don't know how expensive any of the rooms are, but if you have AAA or CAA membership, you can usually get a somewhat lower price. You could also choose a non-refundable reservation as those generally cost a lot less, too.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-30 14:42:00
CanadaH1N1 Vaccination
I really don't get the whole "conspiracy/scare" stuff that's going on about the H1N1 vaccine or even the regular flu shot. If it weren't for vaccinations, conditions like polio and smallpox would still be a real threat.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-30 14:47:00
CanadaH1N1 Vaccination
I spoke to my Dad and he strongly suggested my wife and I get the H1N1 vaccine. He said that flu has been primarily affecting people under 60 (which includes him as well). The most deaths he's seen in the hospital have been from those in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Not those with previous health issues, but normally healthy individuals.

My wife is resistant to even getting a normal flu shot, let alone the H1N1 vaccine. The chances are slim that she'd catch it, but there's always that chance. If younger people are dying, I'd really prefer her get the shot too.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-28 11:07:00
CanadaH1N1 Vaccination
QUOTE (ashenflowers @ Oct 26 2009, 07:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (DeadPoolX @ Oct 26 2009, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I'd say there's a "slight difference" between Chicken Pox and Swine Flu. tongue.gif


What came first... the chicken or the pig? tongue.gif

I'll believe the Swine Flu exists when pigs fly. star_smile.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-27 00:57:00
CanadaH1N1 Vaccination
Well, I'd say there's a "slight difference" between Chicken Pox and Swine Flu. tongue.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-26 19:08:00
CanadaHalloween!
I told my wife that if we're invited to a Halloween party, she should dress up as the stereotypical American and I could be the stereotypical Canadian.
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-10 06:47:00
CanadaWhat to wear to citizenship interview and oath ceremony?
I'd strongly suggest this piece of headgear:

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-30 15:31:00
CanadaWhat to wear.....
Okay, I'm obviously out of the loop, but what's a "gino" and a "guido" and how do they differ? unsure.gif
DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-29 17:21:00
CanadaWhat to wear.....

DeadPoolXMaleCanada2009-10-29 14:53:00