[image:676:l]
Oh no! WHY?! And out of nowhere! I thought Dad didn’t even know how to use iChat.

[image:674:l]

[thumb:673:l]

[image:672:l]

[image:671:l]

[image:670:l]

[image:669:l]

[image:668:l]

So this weekend I did 24 hour comics day. That’s where you get together with a bunch of artists, stay up for 24 hours straight and draw a 24 page comic. I’m a little slow, and I was doing color, so I shot for 12 (and made it thank you very much… well.. not all in color… but…) We raised money for Literacy Alberta. And if my comic isn’t a prime example of fine literature, I don’t know what is

Big thanks to happy harbour for hosting the event.
Here’s their site with pictures of everyone who was there:
http://happyharborcomics.com/events/24HRComic/2007/page_event_24hrcomic07.html

Edit: something tells me http://nadshot.com/ this site would dig my creation (thanks dave)

You know what I’ve always loved about the Canadian national anthem? Depending on which official language you sing it in, you’re singing about two entirely different philosophies of what the country is all about.

Here’s the English version (transcribed from memory for comedic effect if I mess up)
______________

O, Canada Our home and native land
True patriot love, in all thy son’s command,
With glowing hearts we see the rise
the true north strong and free,
from far and wide, o canada,
we stand on guard for thee.

God Keep our land
Glorious and free
O canada we stand on guard for thee
o canada we stand on guard for thee

_______________

and Here’s an english translation of the french version
___________

O Canada! Land of our forefathers
Thy brow is wreathed with a glorious garland of flowers.
As in thy arm ready to wield the sword,
So also is it ready to carry the cross.
Thy history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.

Ch.
Thy valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights
Will protect our homes and our rights.

_______________________

Notice any fundamental differences? I dig the french idea of “the country’s gonna look out for the people” more than the “We need to defend the delicate Faberge egg that is Canada!” english viewpoint. Mind you with the country always a little bit in the mood to split itself up and with the jingoistic anthem of our neighbours to the south with their “Bombs bursting in air” I guess I can see where they’re coming from.

Here’s the original poem they carved the anthem out of back in the day.
__________________

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love thou dost in us command.
We see thee rising fair, dear land,
The True North, strong and free;
And stand on guard, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.

Refrain
O Canada! O Canada!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western Sea,
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!

Refrain
O Canada! O Canada! etc.

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western Sea,
Our own beloved native land!
Our True North, strong and free!

Refrain
O Canada! O Canada! etc.

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion within thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.

Refrain
O Canada! O Canada! etc.

_______________________________

I don’t know where I’m going with this other than to say there’s way too much goddamn religion built-in no matter what version you’re spouting. Guess that’s from the whole, Royal family ordained by big G god mumbo jumbo though, so I can see where they need to keep up that face for the time being.

And it seemed WAAAAAAY longer and assier when we had to sing it in elementary school every day didn’t it? I remember I’d always sang it in french just ’cause it had a better flow, probably drove the kids around me nuts though.

-dean