Languish.org

General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 11:23:49 AM

Title: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 11:23:49 AM
I must concur. -_-

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/beavers-cant-cut-it-as-national-emblem-but-polar-bears-can-senator-says/article2216290/
QuoteBeavers can't cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
steven chase
OTTAWA— From Friday's Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 4:41PM EDT
Last updated Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 7:57AM EDT

508 comments

A Conservative senator is urging the country to dump the iconic beaver in favour of the polar bear as an official emblem of Canada, saying the rodent has had its day.

Senator Nicole Eaton, apparently unmoved by the pride of place that Canada has accorded the furry rodent over the years, announced in a statement that it's time to trade in a "19th-century has-been for a 21st-century hero."

The Ontario senator, appointed in 2009 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, says the polar bear should replace the beaver as a chief symbol for Canada.

"The polar bear, with its strength, courage, resourcefulness, and dignity is perfect for the part."

She said it's time for Castor canadensis to step aside.

"The beaver was named an official emblem of Canada on March 24, 1975. After 31 years, it is time for an emblem makeover."

While Ms. Eaton's proposal is serious, she used a statement in the Senate Thursday to take several light-hearted potshots at the beaver, noting the creature isn't universally beloved.

"Many accuse the dentally defective rat of being a nuisance that wreaks havoc on farmlands, roads, lakes, streams and tree plantations," the senator said.

Her staff explained the Toronto-based senator is a fan of Canada's North, having visited several times, and noted her office features several photos of polar bears.

NDP MP Pat Martin, whose home province of Manitoba is a habitat for both beavers and polar bears, said the senator's proposal leaves him cold.

He said the rodent – or the drive to hunt its fur, more precisely – has a unique role in Canada's early beginnings.

"Polar bears are cool but the beaver played a pivotal role in the history of Canada. It was the relentless pursuit of beaver that opened the great Northwest."

Ms. Eaton said Canada is ready to restyle itself.

"A country's symbols are not constant and can change over time as long as they reflect the ethos of the people and the spirit of the nation."

The senator said the polar bear is more noble and rugged.

"The polar bear is the world's largest terrestrial carnivore and Canada's most majestic and splendid mammal," she said, noting it "survives in the harshest climate and terrain in the world."

Mr. Martin, however, said the beaver more perfectly captures the ethos of a nation of immigrants.

"You can't beat a beaver for stoic hard work and industry, a perfect metaphor for our pioneering Canadian spirit."
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Valmy on October 28, 2011, 11:25:58 AM
Oh you have to be kidding me.  Beaver is what Canada is all aboot.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Ed Anger on October 28, 2011, 11:26:37 AM
I like beaver.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: The Brain on October 28, 2011, 11:26:58 AM
Dignity? Poking through trash for scraps of food is real dignified. I watch TV.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: The Brain on October 28, 2011, 11:27:49 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 28, 2011, 11:26:37 AM
I like beaver.

:hug:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: PRC on October 28, 2011, 11:28:12 AM
Beavers are amazing.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 11:33:15 AM
I don't know, I think an industrious, adaptable survivor is a pretty good symbol, especially compared to one that face extinction as its habitat is reduced.

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

If we want a symbol more muscular than a beaver, hockey players and lumberjacks will do just fine as a supplement to (not replacement of) beavers.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Ed Anger on October 28, 2011, 11:36:02 AM
Bob Probert should be your mascot. Or Bertuzzi.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Razgovory on October 28, 2011, 11:37:42 AM
I'd much rather look at a nice beaver then a big hairy bear.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Ed Anger on October 28, 2011, 11:41:54 AM
Shaved beaver is nice. Too much fur is a no no.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: DGuller on October 28, 2011, 11:54:26 AM
Seems like beavers everywhere are going out of style.  :(
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Syt on October 28, 2011, 12:09:03 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 28, 2011, 11:26:37 AM
I like beaver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYDfwUJzYQg&ob=av3e
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: viper37 on October 28, 2011, 12:49:16 PM
It's a Conservative Senator.  Having a royal fetish was not enough for them, they must keep destroying everything that makes Canada's identity.
Time to make a stand.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F10%2Ftoronto-na1028-beavervbear1.jpg%3Fw%3D620%26amp%3Bh%3D1258&hash=165105556bcee29d753ea1b7c60140036fd8a834)


Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 28, 2011, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 11:33:15 AM
A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

:yes:

Russia's already got a bear and they're just as cold as you are.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: crazy canuck on October 28, 2011, 01:14:26 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:

:lol:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Neil on October 28, 2011, 01:33:35 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:
:lol:

Good catch.

At any rate, this is retarded.  Just the fact that Tim is for it is enough to demonstrate the problem.  He'll probably post picutres of Dudley Do-Right or the Mountie as Polar Bear cavalry now.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:
The Lion is a notable scavenger as well, as are all large carnivores. I don't see anyone holding that against it when choosing national symbols. The Polar Bear, like the Lion, is quite capable of and often does kill big game.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:
The Lion is a notable scavenger as well, as are all large carnivores. I don't see anyone holding that against it when choosing national symbols. The Polar Bear, like the Lion, is quite capable of and often does kill big game.

You are missing the joke ... in Canada, unlike the US, senators are plum patronage appointments. Senators are notorious for in effect doing nothing (but collecting a hefty salary).

For a senator to come out swinging against the beaver, symbol of hard work (the phrase "busy as a beaver" is proverbial), in favour of a scavanger, is therefore amusing.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 01:49:55 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 01:41:11 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 12:19:36 PM
An appointed senator would prefer an animal notable for scavenging over one that is notable for its hard work? Why is that not surprising?   :lol:
The Lion is a notable scavenger as well, as are all large carnivores. I don't see anyone holding that against it when choosing national symbols. The Polar Bear, like the Lion, is quite capable of and often does kill big game.

You are missing the joke ... in Canada, unlike the US, senators are plum patronage appointments. Senators are notorious for in effect doing nothing (but collecting a hefty salary).

For a senator to come out swinging against the beaver, symbol of hard work (the phrase "busy as a beaver" is proverbial), in favour of a scavanger, is therefore amusing.
I don't care about the senators, it's insulting to the bears to be compared to them.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:53:05 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....

Well, this once I'll give him the benefit of the doubt - most Americans will not have heard about the Canadian Senate, or really know anything about it.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
People say that a lot but about me but it's just not true. I get the joke, but if I disagree with one of the premises I'm going to object. I don't care if it's a joke. It doesn't matter if it was hilarious, and the party being made fun deserves it.

The intent of Malthus's post was obvious. Canadian senators could be the laziest motherfuckers in the history of humanity and deserve not one dime of their salary. Neither of those things matter to me. If I object to the labeling of Polar bears 'scavengers' in a pejorative way, then I'm going to make my objective known. And if people want to whine at me for "not getting the joke" or for "nit picking" I don't give a damn, they can go fuck themselves.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Eddie Teach on October 28, 2011, 02:08:13 PM
Tim getting worked up about insults to polar bears is a lot funnier than the joke about Canadian senators IMO.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:12:33 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on October 28, 2011, 02:08:13 PM
Tim getting worked up about insults to polar bears is a lot funnier than the joke about Canadian senators IMO.
It was more about the "doesn't get the joke" accusation in general, I was just using the polar bears as an example since it inspired the latest incident.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 02:17:09 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
People say that a lot but about me but it's just not true. I get the joke, but if I disagree with one of the premises I'm going to object. I don't care if it's a joke. It doesn't matter if it was hilarious, and the party being made fun deserves it.

The intent of Malthus's post was obvious. Canadian senator could be the laziest motherfuckers in the history of humanity and deserve not one dime of their salary. Neither of those things matter to me. If I object to the labeling of Polar bears 'scavengers' in a pejorative way, then I'm going to make my objective known. And if people want to whine at me for "not getting the joke" or for "nit picking" I don't give a damn, they can go fuck themselves.

:lol:

The polar bears applaud their proud defender. Then, they eat him.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:19:02 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 02:17:09 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
People say that a lot but about me but it's just not true. I get the joke, but if I disagree with one of the premises I'm going to object. I don't care if it's a joke. It doesn't matter if it was hilarious, and the party being made fun deserves it.

The intent of Malthus's post was obvious. Canadian senator could be the laziest motherfuckers in the history of humanity and deserve not one dime of their salary. Neither of those things matter to me. If I object to the labeling of Polar bears 'scavengers' in a pejorative way, then I'm going to make my objective known. And if people want to whine at me for "not getting the joke" or for "nit picking" I don't give a damn, they can go fuck themselves.

:lol:

The polar bears applaud their proud defender. Then, they eat him.
As they kill me I shout "I was right, they're carnivores not scav..."
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 02:24:23 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Viking on October 28, 2011, 02:53:22 PM
Why not use both?
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: The Brain on October 28, 2011, 02:55:28 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 28, 2011, 02:53:22 PM
Why not use both?

:ph34r:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 03:01:53 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 28, 2011, 02:53:22 PM
Why not use both?

Heh, guys who are into bears and guys who are into beaver just don't get along ...  :D
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: garbon on October 28, 2011, 03:10:40 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 03:01:53 PM
Quote from: Viking on October 28, 2011, 02:53:22 PM
Why not use both?

Heh, guys who are into bears and guys who are into beaver just don't get along ...  :D

Why not? It isn't like they are competing.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: DGuller on October 28, 2011, 03:15:51 PM
What about polar bear with a beaver? :unsure:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: garbon on October 28, 2011, 03:37:14 PM
Quote from: DGuller on October 28, 2011, 03:15:51 PM
What about polar bear with a beaver? :unsure:

Nice of you to speak for old transexuals.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Sheilbh on October 28, 2011, 06:06:12 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
People say that a lot but about me but it's just not true. I get the joke, but if I disagree with one of the premises I'm going to object. I don't care if it's a joke. It doesn't matter if it was hilarious, and the party being made fun deserves it.

The intent of Malthus's post was obvious. Canadian senators could be the laziest motherfuckers in the history of humanity and deserve not one dime of their salary. Neither of those things matter to me. If I object to the labeling of Polar bears 'scavengers' in a pejorative way, then I'm going to make my objective known. And if people want to whine at me for "not getting the joke" or for "nit picking" I don't give a damn, they can go fuck themselves.
....I love this.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 08:14:27 PM
...Thank You?
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Capetan Mihali on October 28, 2011, 08:31:28 PM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 02:05:09 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 01:50:47 PM
Quote from: Malthus on October 28, 2011, 01:45:12 PMYou are missing the joke ...

You think so? Tim? That's so out of character for him....
People say that a lot but about me but it's just not true. I get the joke, but if I disagree with one of the premises I'm going to object. I don't care if it's a joke. It doesn't matter if it was hilarious, and the party being made fun deserves it.

The intent of Malthus's post was obvious. Canadian senators could be the laziest motherfuckers in the history of humanity and deserve not one dime of their salary. Neither of those things matter to me. If I object to the labeling of Polar bears 'scavengers' in a pejorative way, then I'm going to make my objective known. And if people want to whine at me for "not getting the joke" or for "nit picking" I don't give a damn, they can go fuck themselves.

:showoff:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Zoupa on October 28, 2011, 09:14:20 PM
I like Tim. Always have.  :hug:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: jimmy olsen on October 28, 2011, 10:12:00 PM
Quote from: Zoupa on October 28, 2011, 09:14:20 PM
I like Tim. Always have.  :hug:
:hug:
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Tonitrus on October 28, 2011, 10:20:43 PM
Polar bears are fine and all, but the beaver is the better choice.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Ed Anger on October 29, 2011, 07:12:07 AM
Shake that Bear.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: garbon on October 30, 2011, 04:21:49 PM
I never knew our Canadians were such fervent supporters of beavers.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Ideologue on October 30, 2011, 04:48:35 PM
Quote from: JacobI don't know, I think an industrious, adaptable survivor is a pretty good symbol, especially compared to one that face extinction as its habitat is reduced.

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

If we want a symbol more muscular than a beaver, hockey players and lumberjacks will do just fine as a supplement to (not replacement of) beavers.

Maybe Canadians can use an F-18 as their symbol.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Capetan Mihali on October 30, 2011, 04:57:00 PM
Quote from: Jacob on October 28, 2011, 11:33:15 AMhockey players and lumberjacks

So in other words, bears?
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Neil on October 30, 2011, 05:13:19 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on October 30, 2011, 04:48:35 PM
Quote from: JacobI don't know, I think an industrious, adaptable survivor is a pretty good symbol, especially compared to one that face extinction as its habitat is reduced.

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

If we want a symbol more muscular than a beaver, hockey players and lumberjacks will do just fine as a supplement to (not replacement of) beavers.
Maybe Canadians can use an F-18 as their symbol.
Why would we do that?  The F-18 is unimpressive.

Besides, our human mascot is a Mountie.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Jacob on October 30, 2011, 05:59:50 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on October 30, 2011, 04:48:35 PMMaybe Canadians can use an F-18 as their symbol.

Don't be silly. We'd use the Avro Arrow.
Title: Re: Beavers can’t cut it as national emblem, but polar bears can, senator says
Post by: Tonitrus on October 30, 2011, 09:25:42 PM
Quote from: Neil on October 30, 2011, 05:13:19 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on October 30, 2011, 04:48:35 PM
Quote from: JacobI don't know, I think an industrious, adaptable survivor is a pretty good symbol, especially compared to one that face extinction as its habitat is reduced.

A polar bear is a good symbol for a country with pretentions of being a 'big power' but not for Canada. We have neither the population nor the military budget to be embody a 'polar bear' symbol.

If we want a symbol more muscular than a beaver, hockey players and lumberjacks will do just fine as a supplement to (not replacement of) beavers.
Maybe Canadians can use an F-18 as their symbol.
Why would we do that?  The F-18 is unimpressive.

Besides, our human mascot is a Mountie.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.acuteaday.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F07%2Fbeaver-mountie.gif&hash=63e0fc4b07b173b8400a606ca7607046781a6513)

:hmm: