O Canada “Reaching Its Capital”

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Many people probably didn’t even know much about this country until Trump was running for America’s President in 2016 and we all threatened to move there, or when Drake released his newest album. Besides these reasons, what is the first thing that pops up in one’s head when they think of Canada. Most people would think of Canadian Bacon, Maple Syrup, and any other Hockey Team that’s not from America in the NHL. But besides that, most people in the world and especially Americans probably don’t know anything else about this country; disappointing. Most think many stereotypes about Canada such as “riding a dogsled to work everyday.” but, why not learn about another country so you won’t think it’s just “your friendly neighbor up north”, and “break” the stereotypes given to this country.
For starters why not  talk about everybody’s favorite part when visiting the country is its capital. The capital of Canada is Ottawa, which is located in in eastern Ontario and is close to the Quebec border. In any capital there is always something to do. For starters, Ottawa has a great diversity among people who live there. Much of the people speak English and French, but one in five of the people from the city are from a different country, which means Ottowa is quite the diverse city.
Besides being a diverse city, Ottawa has the world’s largest ice skating rink Rideau Canal. This ice rink offers something in those cold winter months that shouldn’t be missed. On average there are about 19,000 visitors that come to the rink and the best part is that it is free! If you forget your skates or don’t have any you can rent them there as well. This one wintery activity that nobody wants to miss, just make sure the ice is in good skating condition before going. Another great pace to tour in Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. Parliament Hill is where the federal government of Canada. This building is overlooking the Ottawa River. This building is has and interesting style called Gothic Revival and it is really a striking work of architecture in the heart of Canada’s capital. There are three separate parts in the building which incorporate the same style of architecture. This building has been through a lot though in its pass. In 1916, a great fire swept the building and the only room saved was the library. And most importantly, every July 1, thousands of people gather at this special building to celebrate Canada Day.
The final interesting place to visit in canada is the Canadian mint. Now I know from personal experience what it is like to go here, because I have been here myself, but I have got to say this is gotta be one of the coolest places I have ever been. Not only does this museum give tours, it talks about Canada’s rich history and how it became to where it is today. This is where Canada’s beautiful coins are made and they even show you how. The also show collectible coins that are super cool. Inside the museum at the end of the tour there is also a 24k brick that you can attempt to lift, (its quite heavy). Overall I definitely recommend the Canadian mint.
To conclude this long blog about Canada, and what to do in its capital Ottawa, I am proud to say that I wish I could go back and visit again and again. Canada is quite the lovely country with such a diverse culture, that it’s impossible to get bored there. Canada’s capital itself has got some of the greatest places to tour in the country and if anybody could go and visit Canada, well then you should.

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~Lily

Someone Needs to Hoist The Cup!

The Stanley Cup was the creation of Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, lord of Preston. Who was Governor General of Canada in 1888. He was a big fan of hockey and he wanted to give out a trophy to the winner of the amateur hockey league. The trophy, which started out as a punch bowl, has now become one of the biggest icons in pro sports today. What is unique about the Stanley cup is that every player on the winning team gets to take the cup home to celebrate with. Stories about where it has been over the years are quite interesting to read.  Since the NHL teams have been awarded the Stanley cup since 1926 it has always been assumed that the NHL owns the cup.  What most people don’t know is that it is actually controlled by trustees and not owned by the NHL. The trustees can decide to give the cup to another league if the NHL season is cancelled.

As I mentioned in my last blog its very possible that the NHL will not have a season this year and there will be no NHL team to award the cup to.  I think they should give out the Stanley Cup to another hockey league.  It would be cool to see a different league like Canadian Hockey League (CHL) or Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) get the cup instead of just putting it on a shelf for a year. Lord Stanley enjoyed watching hockey and he would want “The Cup” to be presented each year to a deserving hockey team who share his passion for the sport and are not busy arguing over money. It would be good message to the NHL, seeing the plaque for 2013 with players names from a different league, inscribed on it. That message would be that the best “players” are the ones who “play.”

~Will DePalma

Emerged Unscathed

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A man in Alberta, British Columbia was found underneath the 26th car of a train on May 23rd, 2012. The man was intoxicated and passed out on the train tracks while a train came around the corner. The engineer blew the train whistle, but it didn’t wake the man up. In a hurry, the engineer slammed on the brakes in hopes to stop the train from running over the fellow, however in mere seconds, the front of the train was already over him. After the 25th cart, the train had stopped and after the personnel had awaken the sleeping beauty, “He got up, grabbed his beer, and was on his way.”—Sgt. Dave Dubnyk,.  The man stumbled to a nearby campground where he was taken by the police and put in a detachment holding cell to sober up.

This man, in my opinion, was extremely lucky and if he had not woken up after the train had stopped, then it would have been bye-bye for him. This just shows how dangerous drinking is as he could have died or been severely injured. I hope people will come to their senses soon about drinking alcoholic beverages too much. What I would like to know is: where were the train tracks? How did he get to them? How did the personnel get the man out from under the train? Why did they let the man wander off after that incident? All I can think of is, “I hope that this doesn’t happen again . . .” and I am pretty sure that no one else would want to try their luck with drinking after they have read the article. What if that was you? What would you do after that?

~Cameron O’Connor