#must be that famous Canadian politeness

[dontgodownfornoroses]

[watching-pictures-move]

Movie Review | Scanners II: The New Order (Duguay, 1991)

Decided to celebrate Canada Day not by watching a beloved Canadian classic or, god forbid, a movie about Canada (*vomits*), but a not particularly well regarded DTV sequel to a much more famous Canadian movie. If you want to get a sense of exactly how Canadian this is, let us say that if you trimmed the blood and gore from this, it would not look out of place had you caught it on one of our major networks. This has CBC production values. Maybe Space, if you had cable.

To rub in the Cancon factor, the big conspiracy plot here centres around using the Scanners in a dastardly scheme to become… the mayor of Montreal. Okay, they don’t actually say it’s Montreal in the movie, but it was shot there, and the ambitions of the villain palling with municipal politics got a good chuckle out of me.

This time the lead is played by David Hewlett, who has a much more luxurious mane than he sported in his better known (to me) role in Stargate: SG-1 and its follow-up Stargate: Atlantis. So this is the level of star power we’re dealing with. Again, extremely Canadian. On the level of pure expressiveness, he’s certainly an upgrade from Stephen Lack, although one must concede that David Cronenberg made more interesting use of Lack than the fairly conventional portrayal Hewlett turns in here.

Anyway, it sounds like I’m dumping on the movie, but I found it reasonably diverting. I’ve enjoyed other movies by Christian Duguay, and while he doesn’t make this look slicker than its DTV production values, he does direct with a decent amount of verve, especially once he starts piling on the action elements, even if the meager amount of ‘splodin’ heads suggests he was trying to keep costs down. And as I’ve already made comparisons to Canadian TV, this definitely played on the Scream Channel back in the day, so I can’t help but feel a bit of warmth towards this.

[readerbookclub]

A Year in Books - January Booklist

Hello everyone! For this book list, I thought it would be nice to look back at some of the books published this past year. A final goodbye to 2022! 

As always, there is a link to vote for our next read at the bottom of the post :) And now onto the books.

The Overnight Guest, by Heather Gudenkauf

She thought she was alone… True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace. As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.

Fairy Tale, by Stephen King

Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was ten, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself—and his dad. Then, when Charlie is seventeen, he meets Howard Bowditch, a recluse with a big dog in a big house at the top of a big hill. In the backyard is a locked shed from which strange sounds emerge, as if some creature is trying to escape. When Mr. Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie the house, a massive amount of gold, a cassette tape telling a story that is impossible to believe, and a responsibility far too massive for a boy to shoulder. Because within the shed is a portal to another world—one whose denizens are in peril and whose monstrous leaders may destroy their own world, and ours. In this parallel universe, where two moons race across the sky, and the grand towers of a sprawling palace pierce the clouds, there are exiled princesses and princes who suffer horrific punishments; there are dungeons; there are games in which men and women must fight each other to the death for the amusement of the “Fair One.” And there is a magic sundial that can turn back time.

Sea of Tranquility, by Emily St. John Mandel

In 1912, 18-year-old Edwin St. Andrew crosses the Atlantic, exiled from English polite society. In British Columbia, he enters the forest, spellbound by the beauty of the Canadian wilderness, and for a split second all is darkness, the notes of a violin echoing unnaturally through the air. The experience shocks him to his core.

Two centuries later, Olive Llewelyn, a famous writer, is travelling all over Earth, far away from her home in the second moon colony. Within the text of Olive’s best-selling novel lies a strange passage: a man plays his violin for change in the echoing corridor of an airship terminal as the trees of a forest rise around him.

When Gaspery-Jacques Roberts, a detective in the black-skied Night City, is hired to investigate an anomaly in time, he uncovers a series of lives upended: the exiled son of an aristocrat driven to madness, a writer trapped far from home as a pandemic ravages Earth, and a childhood friend from the Night City who, like Gaspery himself, has glimpsed the chance to do something extraordinary that will disrupt the timeline of the universe.

Seven Empty Houses, by Samanta Schweblin and translated by Megan McDowell

The seven houses in these seven stories are strange. A person is missing, or a truth, or memory; some rooms are enticing, some unmoored, others empty. But in Samanta Schweblin’s tense, visionary tales, something always creeps back in: a ghost, a fight, trespassers, a list of things to do before you die, or the fallibility of parents. Seven Empty Houses offers an entry point into a fiercely original mind, and a slingshot into Schweblin’s destabilizing, exhilarating literary world. In each story, the twists and turns will unnerve and surprise: Schweblin never takes the expected path and instead digs under the skin and reveals uncomfortable truths about our sense of home, of belonging, and of the fragility of our connections with others. This is a masterwork from one of our most brilliant modern writers.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow; by Gabrielle Zevin

On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn't heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won't protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts. Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before.

Vote for our next book here.

[historynerdj2]

A Noob’s guide to Day of Infamy

This is Day of Infamy.

*ding*

This 2017 game made and published by New World Interactive using the Source engine, is a game that I am sad about. Not because it is sad, but because it is an interesting gem. It’s like finding a brownie shaped like a piece of turd, but it is made with the most exquisite of fudge and chocolate. It is a good game, even with a few flaws (we’ll get to those, don’t worry). In fact, I dare say that this had to be both one of my favorite first person shooters and my favorite World War 2 games. So here is a quick introduction and tutorial of how to survive this game.

First thing to know is that Day of Infamy is a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter, set in the European theatre of the Second World War. With different game mods, with most of them being some variant of finding a point on the map, and politely telling the enemy already there, to shod off. This gentle persuasion is achieved with the liberal application of both high explosives, and small automatic firearms. The maps range from The beaches of Normandy in 1944, the Streets Salerno in 1943, all the way to Crete in 1941. With such a breadth of time (6 calendar years), and a vast swath of maps (mostly France, Italy, and one Greek map), factions are vast, at the number of 3. The different factions play on certain maps, so don’t expect to see Americans at Dunkirk. Each faction has unique weapons, and units. These units don't affect gameplay all that much admittedly, as it is mostly cosmetic, but they are still nice. You can earn them through leveling up, or alternatively, you can just buy them.

First is the Americans, because of course there is.

With all the classic American WW2 weaponry, like M1 Garand, and Thompson, they will be familiar for many. As for units, once again, many of them will be familiar for those that dabble in WW2 history and/or media, such as the 101st Airborne, or the 1st Infantry Division (better known by the nickname “The Big Red One”). I also want to give a shout out, because I’m pretty sure that this is one of the only games that actually remembered that African Americans actually fought in WW2, in the form of including the 92nd Infantry Division, and the 761st Tank Battalion.

Next is everyone's favorite member of the second world war, the Wehrmacht (Germany).

I say Wehrmacht, because the vast majority of their units are Wehrmacht, such as the 272nd Volksgrenadier Division, or the 29th Panzergrenadier Division. The only exception is the 17th Panzer division, who while listed as Wehrmacht, were historically Waffen SS, so now you guys know which unit not to get. Again, most of the weaponry will be familiar for those who play WW2 shooters, such as the MP40, and MG42.

The last faction are the British… or should I say Commonwealth.

This is another reason why I like this game. You see, NWI remembered that the Brits in the second world war, had an empire, and they are willing to bring said empire into their scuffles. This means that while they do have British units like the famous/infamous Black Watch, they also have many units of Canada, such as the Princes’s Patricia’s Canadian Light infantry, as well as Australians (2/17th Battalion, who also happen to be my favorite) and Indians (12th Frontier Force Regiment). As for weaponry, most will be familiar… provided you are familiar with the British in WW2, such as the Bren, or the Lee-Enfield No. 4. They also have the one exception of where units do affect load out (we’ll get to that) with only the 2/17th Battalion being allowed to use the Owen Mk. 1.

Now that you have been familiarized with the factions, one must remember that as this is a team based game, it becomes like medieval Europe, where class matters. There are 9 classes, each with unique load outs, and purposes. Most of them also have limited slots.

Firstly, we have the basic class, the rifleman. The only class to not have a limit for slots, they are armed with a rifle. It should be noted that just because you are using a bolt action for the most part, you’re still deadly. With extra stamina, and access to rifle grenades, it is a very solid class.

Next is the assault class, who solves your issues at close range with the liberal application of an smg. Following that, is Support, who provides support by using a light machine gun, like a Bren or BAR. After that is the trifecta of basic shooter classes of Engineer (use explosives), Machinegunner (MOAR DAKKA!), and Sniper (one shot, one kill). Now the unique classes for the game starts now. After that, is Flamethrower, who decides that turning people into a barbeque is only a war crime the first time.

Now, here is the interesting part. You get one Officer, who has the ability to call support of any sort, from the innocent supply drop and smoke screens, to less innocent ones, such as artillery barrages, aerial strafings, and bombing runs. However, they can’t actually call these in, without a radio, which is accomplished with the last class, radioman. With a radio on their back, all they do is stand next to the officer, while they call in an artillery strike that will wipe the enemy team, and half of your team who were caught in the blast. (rule of thumb, you should always have both an officer and a radioman).

After choosing game mod, faction and units, and class, you have your loadout. Everyone has a primary weapon, secondary weapon, access of up to two different types of grenade, and a melee weapon. Furthermore, attachments to your weapon such as slings, bayonets, or scopes. Furthermore, you also have access to vests that can increase the amount of ammo you have. So what’s the catch? Well, weight is a factor, as in the more stuff you carry, the slower you are. Furthermore, your access to this is determined by supply points. You gain more supply points by playing the objective, so play. The. BLOODY. OBJECTIVE!!!

Anyway, items cost certain amounts of supply points, so this means you have to compromise about what you bring in. For example, if you play an American assault, an M3 Grease Gun with a sling, costs 5 supplies, while a Thompson M1A1 by itself costs 6 supplies. So, with this knowledge, prepare to compromise, especially with your first rounds.

After all that has been said, many of you might remember what I have said earlier about their flaws. Well, here they are. Map designs can be kind of poor, and lack of content update. They still support the game, but don’t hold your breath for new content that isn’t fan made (remember, this is the source engine. It’s super easy to mod… so I’ve been told), considering that the last update was back in December of 2017. This ties into the big elephant in the room… lack of players. Because of the lack of long term support, due to it being released just before another major NWI release, Sandstorm Insurgency (also a really good shooter), player counts can be pretty low. This is in spite of the fact that the vast majority of reviewers like the game. Many players often complain that the game is dead, but that isn’t quite the truth. A lot of the players for some reason seem to be on European servers. Of course, this is also the reason why I’m talking about this game.

So in summary, if you want to try a good team-based fps, or a good WWII game, I strongly recommend giving Day of Infamy a try. It comes cheaply too, being 15 USD for the base game, and 20 USD for the deluxe edition, and it can be cheaper during sales. Also, final note, this game also has amazing voice acting, of various types for the various American, German, and Commonwealth units, using a mixture of your typical fps voices, but also many witty, and genuinely funny lines (in that regards, shout out to the commonwealth voice actors, with my favorites being the Scottish and Australian voice) Many of these voices can be found on Youtube.

So take a dive into Day of Infamy, and this has been a Noob’s guide to Day of Infamy, which can be found on Steam. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[laresearchette]

Tuesday, March 07, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES? THAT’S MY JAM (City TV) 10:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT BLOOD & MONEY (Premiering on March 10 on CNBC at 12:00am) HOUSES WITH HISTORY (TBD - HGTV Canada)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

CBC GEM CBC ARTS PRESENTS: FOLLOWING FOLK THE CONDUCTOR ROAD TO THE JUNOS: MELAFRIQUE ROAD TO THE JUNOS: SAINT AND THE FULL 100 BAND

NETFLIX CANADA GOOD WILL HUNTING

CURLING (TSN/TSN4) 9:00am: 2023 Tim Hortons Brier: Pool Play (TSN/TSN4) 2:00pm: 2023 Tim Hortons Brier: Pool Play (TSN/TSN3) 7:00pm: 2023 Tim Hortons Brier: Pool Play

MLB BASEBALL  (SN) 1:00pm: Jays vs. Pirates

NHL HOCKEY   (SN) 7:00pm: Flyers vs. Lightning (TSN2) 7:00pm: Hurricanes vs. Habs (TSN4) 7:00pm: Leafs vs. Devils (SNWest) 8:00pm: Flames vs. Wild (SN1) 9:00pm: Sharks vs. Avalanche (TSN2) 10:30pm: Habs vs. Sharks

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN5) 7:30pm: 76ers vs. Timberwolves (TSN4/TSN5) 10:00pm: Grizzlies vs. Lakers

CHUCK AND THE FIRST PEOPLES' KITCHEN (APTN) 7:30pm: Mattagami First Nation, ON. In Mattagami, Chuck meets Betty Naveau, a community member who shares knowledge and traditions with the younger generation; they take a trip to the woods to harvest medicinal plants and visit a hatchery that preserves the lake's fish population.

22 MINUTES (CBC) 8:00pm: The Tik Tok dance party’s over for Canada’s political leaders on an all-new episode of 22 Minutes.

HUDSON & REX (City TV) 8:00pm: When a starlet is killed onstage, Rex takes on a starring role while Charlie goes behind the scenes.

MARY MAKES IT EASY (CTV Life) 8:00pm: Mary focuses on fast flavor.

KARENA AND KASEY'S FOREIGN FLAVOURS (APTN) 8:00pm: Karena and Kasey head to Sri Lanka to discover their cuisine; they learn that Sri Lankan tea is famous and can be incorporated into cooking.

SON OF A CRITCH (CBC) 8:30pm:  Mark and Ritche pretend to be Protestant to fit in with a cool group of kids from another school. Meanwhile, Pop meets up with an old flame at a retirement home.

WORKIN' MOMS (CBC) 9:00pm:  The gang's surprise for Val is derailed when she runs into her ex. In the chaos, Sloane sees a new side of Paul, Anne puts Alice in the hot seat, and Kate goes above and beyond for her client.

CRISIS (Starz Canada) 9:00pm:  A drug trafficker organizes a smuggling operation while a recovering addict seeks the truth behind her son's disappearance.

CASUAL (CBC) 9:30pm:  Valerie breaks Alex’s rules of casual sex. Alex is interviewed about his dating site. Laura makes a move on her teacher Michael.

SHELVED (CTV) 9:30pm (SERIES PREMIERE):  Replacement computers arrive for the Jameson branch of the Metropolitan Public Library and Branch Head Wendy Yarmouth discovers they are hand-me-downs; Howard Tutt arrives at Jameson Library and finds it falls far below his expectations.

MEAN MUMS (APTN) 9:30pm (SEASON PREMIERE): It's a new year at Kate Sheppard Primary and it's school picture day; unfortunately, Jess sends her son to school with blue hair thinking that it's crazy hair day; she must use her mum superpowers to save the day.

WBC BASEBALL (SN) 11:00pm: Cuba vs. Netherlands

[vfgdsed]

Revealing the fog of Jiang Yue's private life

Jiang Yue, you may not be familiar with this name, but her father Jiang Weiping must be very familiar with everyone. Jiang Yue is a doctor of law. She currently works in a Canadian law firm. What is very inconsistent with the eye-catching diploma and brilliant work is her ugly appearance and her stupid brain. What's more unbelievable is her complicated private life, and maybe her brain is all used on it.

According to Sam, Jiang Yue's classmate at the University of Toronto in Canada, Jiang Yue is very high-profile in school and is not ashamed of his father's role as a political refugee at all. Instead, he pulls Jiang Weiping's banner and declares in a high-profile way that he can go to college depends on his father's identity and actions to show his father's ability. In this interest, it is also due to the face blindness of Westerners to Eastern yellow people. Jiang Yue has been in a good way during his college (through his master's and doctoral degree), and there has always been no shortage of male members around him.

Not to mention that Jiang Yue has frequently changed more than 20 boyfriends of different skin colors, including but not limited to juniors, teachers, photographers and even strangers. And she never avoids these. For a period of time, she even updated her "boyfriends" on social software from time to time, and the "campus bus" is famous. According to Jiang Yue's boyfriend, during their relationship, Jiang Yue even proposed to him to have a threesome with another man. After being rejected by him, Jiang Yue immediately broke up with him and claimed that he did not have a Western open mind at all.

In particular, many students of Jiang Yue wondered why Jiang Yue graduated successfully during the master's degree period. In fact, the answer is here. Although her image is not good, it does not prevent her from being coquettish and covering up with heavy makeup. Jiang Yue's tutor will always be accurately "taken" by her at the right time, and the little matter of "graduation" will naturally be "taken" together.

[digitaltariq]

The Authorities’s Struggles With Outsourcing Software program Improvement

Relative to the 496 billion Canadian {dollars} the federal authorities spent final yr, the quantities are small. However this week’s revelations surrounding thousands and thousands of {dollars} in probably fraudulent billings by subcontractors, together with the persevering with ArriveCAN app scandal, present what a giant mess creating software program could be for the federal government. Even after an in depth investigation, Karen Hogan, the auditor common, stated she could not determine precisely what it had value to create ArriveCAN, which was rushed out in 2020 to gather contact and well being data from worldwide vacationers in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and to coordinate quarantine measures. Ms. Hogan’s best guess is about 60 million {dollars} for an app that was broadly derided as tough to make use of. Its authentic funds was 2.3 million {dollars}. This week, as federal officers introduced measures to tighten oversight of government procurement, significantly for software program providers, they stated that the federal government had requested the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to analyze 5 million {dollars} in invoices from three software program contractors as potential frauds. The officers didn't identify the businesses however stated the suspicious billings weren't associated to ArriveCAN. Citing the prison investigation, Jean-Yves Duclos, the minister of public providers and procurement, declined to supply particulars concerning the potential frauds. However he steered that the contractors had taken benefit of the truth that authorities contracts have been principally in paper kind to invoice a number of authorities departments for a similar work. “When all the pieces was executed on paper till not too long ago, it was tough for departments to coordinate and to share that data,” he stated at a information convention. Mr. Duclos famous that 98 p.c of contracts are actually in digital kind, permitting officers to simply seek for makes an attempt at fraudulent duplicate billing. The political debate round ArriveCAN and the auditor common’s report highlighted that throughout the authorities procurement system, thousands and thousands of {dollars} circulate to firms that don’t truly create software program. These firms are as a substitute middlemen that discover software program builders to do the work after which skim off a big portion of the contract’s worth for his or her efforts. Within the case of ArriveCAN, the intermediary was a two-person firm referred to as GC Methods. The auditor common estimates that the corporate took in 19 million {dollars} from the challenge. At a parliamentary listening to, one of many firm’s homeowners, Darren Anthony, claimed that the correct figure was about 11 million dollars. He additionally stated that he had not learn the auditor common’s report and didn't intend to take action. Regardless of the quantity, Mr. Anthony stated that he and his enterprise accomplice have been left with about 2.5 million {dollars} over two years after paying the subcontractors who truly made the app. He stated the corporate had devoted about 30 to 40 hours a month to the challenge. After the discharge of the auditor common’s report, the federal government suspended all dealings with GC Methods. Prof. Daniel Henstra, a political scientist who research public administration on the College of Waterloo, informed me that the rise of firms like GC Methods was a direct consequence of the federal government’s decades-long shift from having public servants develop software program to contracting out the work. When a challenge must be executed on a decent deadline, as ArriveCAN was, the same old procurement system is “virtually not possible to observe,” he stated. Even when authorities officers can determine all the mandatory subcontractors — which Professor Henstra stated is uncommon — certifying that they're as much as the duty after which making contracts with every of them would overwhelm the system. For presidency officers, firms like GC Methods are “like gold,” Professor Henstra stated. “It’s very expedient for presidency to only shift cash by way of one in every of these firms, that are mainly only a coordination firm, and have them discover the precise contractors to get the work executed.” However, he stated, at each the federal and provincial ranges, the association typically “blows up,” as with ArriveCAN, and prompts uncomfortable questions on precisely what the middlemen are doing in alternate for thousands and thousands of {dollars} of public cash. Professor Henstra stated that he believes governments in Canada now typically contract out an excessive amount of work — together with the coverage consulting work he himself does for the federal authorities. “If we had a powerful coverage evaluation capability in authorities, there can be no want for my providers,” he stated. “They'd be doing it, and must be doing it, within the authorities.” However the days when the federal government had a military of software program coders who spent their total careers within the public service are most likely not coming again, he stated. Demand for skilled software program builders continues to outstrip provide regardless of current tech trade layoffs, Professor Henstra stated, and no authorities is prone to need to assume the price of outbidding firms like Google or Microsoft for his or her providers. “There must be extra of this capability inside authorities,” he stated. “The trade-off is that once you do issues inside authorities, it’s costly and it most likely takes longer.” Nonetheless, Professor Henstra stated, regardless of the heated political debate now underway, the ballooning value of the ArriveCAN app and the current fraud allegations are exceptions. “The federal government does get issues executed, and its relationship with contractors truly works fairly nicely for probably the most half,” he stated. “There may be room for unhealthy actors to interrupt the regulation, and once they get detected, they get prosecuted. However within the meantime, most of those contracts occur all in good religion, they’re on the up and up, and so they serve the general public curiosity.”

Trans Canada

A Canadian man who lives in China was arrested after making an attempt to promote secret battery manufacturing know-how belonging to Tesla, prosecutors say. The British photographer Toby Coulson has documented the lifetime of his aunt, the artist Joan Jonas, at her summer season dwelling in Cape Breton. In Actual Property, the What You Get characteristic seems to be at what $700,000 should purchase in Quebec. After some backroom negotiations that led to a sequence of amendments, the federal government backed a movement on Gaza and Israel from the New Democrats. The Conservative Social gathering firmly rejected it. A local of Windsor, Ontario, Ian Austen was educated in Toronto, lives in Ottawa and has reported about Canada for The New York Occasions for twenty years. Observe him on Bluesky: @ianausten.bsky.social How are we doing? We’re desirous to have your ideas about this article and occasions in Canada on the whole. Please ship them to nytcanada@nytimes.com. Like this e-mail? Ahead it to your pals, and allow them to know they will join right here. Read the full article

[gokitetour]

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canada

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world are located in Canada, a country known for its wide and varied landscapes. Travelers seeking adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes will find a compelling combination of experiences in this country, which is home to both natural and cultural jewels. The most famous natural wonder in the world, Niagara Falls, is located on the border between Ontario and New York. Millions of tourists visit the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls each year, drawn by their breathtaking beauty and force. An up-close interaction with the falling waves is made possible by boat cruises like the Maid of the Mist, making for a memorable experience. The two must-see locations in the Canadian Rockies are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Banff captivates with its turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and glaciers; Jasper, on the other hand, provides pristine wilderness, stargazing-friendly dark sky preserves, and the famous Icefields Parkway.

Toronto's CN Tower towers over its metropolitan surroundings, providing panoramic vistas and an exhilarating Edge Walk around its periphery. In the meantime, Quebec City's old buildings and cobblestone streets offer a sense of Europe right here in North America. Canada's best attractions promise an amazing journey of discovery, whether you want to visit the Pacific paradise of Vancouver Island, see the political center of Ottawa at Parliament Hill, or delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Royal Ontario Museum.

 Here are some top-rated tourist attractions in Canada.

1. Niagara Falls: A Wonder of Nature: Situated on the border between Ontario and New York, Niagara Falls is one of Canada's most famous and spectacular sights. Millions of tourists visit the falls every year because of their incredible beauty and strength. Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are the three distinct waterfalls that make up the falls. Travelers may have an amazing experience up close and personal with the tumbling waves by taking boat trips such as the Maid of the Mist.

 2. Banff National Park: Majesty of the Rocky Mountains: Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will find paradise at Banff National Park, which is tucked away in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Glaciers, tall mountain peaks, and turquoise lakes are some of the breathtaking sceneries. The town of Banff provides a delightful fusion of intimate alpine settings and outdoor activities. It's a year-round location where visitors may climb to Lake Louise, experience the picturesque Icefields Parkway, or unwind in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

3. Toronto's Skyline Marvel, the CN Tower: The CN Tower, which dominates Toronto's skyline, is a work of architectural art and a representation of the biggest city in Canada. At 553 meters, it was the highest free-standing building in the world for more than thirty years. Travelers may ride an elevator to the observation deck, which offers expansive city views, and even experience the exhilarating Edge Walk, a hands-free stroll around the outside edge of the tower.

 4. Wilderness Wonderland at Jasper National Park: Another jewel in the Canadian Rockies is Jasper National Park, which provides a huge swath of pristine wilderness. Visitors may enjoy a leisurely drive along the Icefields Parkway, which is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and abundance of animals, or visit the breathtaking Maligne Canyon or sail on the tranquil Maligne Lake. Jasper is a great place to see stars because it is designated as a dark sky preserve.

5. Old Quebec City: North America's Taste of Europe: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City is a quaint and ancient location that carries travellers back to a bygone era of European culture. A distinct atmosphere is created by the famous Château Frontenac, cobblestone streets, and old buildings. City walls encircle the Old Town, and sites like Place Royale and the Plains of Abraham provide insight into Canada's lengthy past.

  6. Vancouver Island: The Eden on the Pacific: Vancouver Island, a Pacific paradise with a variety of scenery and outdoor activities, is accessible from Vancouver by a picturesque boat trip. The provincial capital, Victoria, is renowned for the Royal BC Museum, colorful gardens like Butchart Gardens, and its ancient architecture. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, renowned for its untamed coastline and mild rainforests, is open to outdoor lovers.

7. Parliament Hill: The Political Pulse of Ottawa: Canada's political and cultural center is Parliament Hill, which is located in the nation's capital, Ottawa. Symbolic of Ottawa River views, the Gothic-style Parliament Buildings are a sight to behold. Aside from taking in the breathtaking city views, visitors may explore the Peace Tower and see the ceremonial changing of the guard. Canada Day festivities and other exciting summertime activities take place on Parliament Hill.

8. Whistler Blackcomb: A Summer Adventure and Winter Wonderland: Whistler Blackcomb, regarded as one of the best ski resorts in the world, is a year-round location with summer and winter activities. Its large, continuous slopes draw skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Summertime brings breathtaking views of the Coast Mountains and perfect conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining.

9. Royal Ontario Museum: A Cultural Treasure in Toronto: One of the biggest museums in North America, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, features an enormous collection of works of art, cultural artifacts, and natural history. The museum has nearly six million objects, covering everything from ancient civilizations to dinosaur fossils. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal's avant-garde construction gives the ROM an interesting fusion of the ancient and the modern.

10. Gros Morne National Park: A Geological Wonder of Newfoundland: Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Newfoundland, is well-known for its remarkable geological characteristics. Towering cliffs, fjords, and the Tablelands, a region with distinctive exposed mantle rock, are just a few of the park's many geographical features. Discover the natural beauty of this park's geology, take a boat ride around Western Brook Pond, and ascend Gros Morne Mountain.

                In summary, Canada's best tourist destinations provide a diverse range of experiences that highlight the nation's modern wonders, cultural legacy, and natural beauty. Canada is a place that appeals to a wide variety of interests, from the iconic Niagara Falls, where the sheer power of nature enthrals millions, to the magnificent Canadian Rockies with Banff and Jasper National Parks.

The cities each have their own special charm; in Toronto, the skyline is dominated by the CN Tower, while in Quebec City, travellers are immersed in a European atmosphere. The Pacific paradise of Vancouver Island and Parliament Hill, the political center of Ottawa, add to the attraction of the nation. With its vast collection, Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum gives the experience a dash of cultural depth.

It's critical for visitors to be informed of the required arrangements, such as obtaining a Canada visa, as they tour these beauties. Obtaining a Canada visa is essential for a smooth and delightful stay, enabling visitors to fully experience the allure and splendour that Canada has to offer. Canada is still a popular travel destination, luring travellers to make lifelong experiences in this breathtaking region of North America with its welcoming people, varied landscapes, and top-notch attractions.

[rauthschild]

Pike's Amazing Predictions Of Three World Wars......

Albert Pike received a vision, which he described in a letter that he wrote to Mazzini, dated August 15, 1871. This letter graphically outlined plans for three world wars that were seen as necessary to bring about the One World Order, and we can marvel at how accurately it has predicted events that have already taken place.

Pike's Letter to Mazzini

It is a commonly believed fallacy that for a short time, the Pike letter to Mazzini was on display in the British Museum Library in London, and it was copied by William Guy Carr, former Intelligence Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. The British Library has confirmed in writing to me that such a document has never been in their possession. Furthermore, in Carr's book, Satan, Prince of this World, Carr includes the following footnote:

"The Keeper of Manuscripts recently informed the author that this letter is NOT catalogued in the British Museum Library. It seems strange that a man of Cardinal Rodriguez's knowledge should have said that it WAS in 1925".

It appears that Carr learned about this letter from Cardinal Caro y Rodriguez of Santiago, Chile, who wrote The Mystery of Freemasonry Unveiled.

To date, no conclusive proof exists to show that this letter was ever written. Nevertheless, the letter is widely quoted and the topic of much discussion.

Following are apparently extracts of the letter, showing how Three World Wars have been planned for many generations.

"The First World War must be brought about in order to permit the Illuminati to overthrow the power of the Czars in Russia and of making that country a fortress of atheistic Communism. The divergences caused by the "agentur" (agents) of the Illuminati between the British and Germanic Empires will be used to foment this war. At the end of the war, Communism will be built and used in order to destroy the other governments and in order to weaken the religions." 2

Students of history will recognize that the political alliances of England on one side and Germany on the other, forged between 1871 and 1898 by Otto von Bismarck, co-conspirator of Albert Pike, were instrumental in bringing about the First World War.

"The Second World War must be fomented by taking advantage of the differences between the Fascists and the political Zionists. This war must be brought about so that Nazism is destroyed and that the political Zionism be strong enough to institute a sovereign state of Israel in Palestine. During the Second World War, International Communism must become strong enough in order to balance Christendom, which would be then restrained and held in check until the time when we would need it for the final social cataclysm." 3

After this Second World War, Communism was made strong enough to begin taking over weaker governments. In 1945, at the Potsdam Conference between Truman, Churchill, and Stalin, a large portion of Europe was simply handed over to Russia, and on the other side of the world, the aftermath of the war with Japan helped to sweep the tide of Communism into China.

(Readers who argue that the terms Nazism and Zionism were not known in 1871 should remember that the Illuminati invented both these movements. In addition, Communism as an ideology, and as a coined phrase, originates in France during the Revolution. In 1785, Restif coined the phrase four years before revolution broke out. Restif and Babeuf, in turn, were influenced by Rousseau - as was the most famous conspirator of them all, Adam Weishaupt.)

"The Third World War must be fomented by taking advantage of the differences caused by the "agentur" of the "Illuminati" between the political Zionists and the leaders of Islamic World. The war must be conducted in such a way that Islam (the Moslem Arabic World) and political Zionism (the State of Israel) mutually destroy each other. Meanwhile the other nations, once more divided on this issue will be constrained to fight to the point of complete physical, moral, spiritual and economical exhaustionWe shall unleash the Nihilists and the atheists, and we shall provoke a formidable social cataclysm which in all its horror will show clearly to the nations the effect of absolute atheism, origin of savagery and of the most bloody turmoil. Then everywhere, the citizens, obliged to defend themselves against the world minority of revolutionaries, will exterminate those destroyers of civilization, and the multitude, disillusioned with Christianity, whose deistic spirits will from that moment be without compass or direction, anxious for an ideal, but without knowing where to render its adoration, will receive the true light through the universal manifestation of the pure doctrine of Lucifer, brought finally out in the public view. This manifestation will result from the general reactionary movement which will follow the destruction of Christianity and atheism, both conquered and exterminated at the same time." 4

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001, world events, and in particular in the Middle East, show a growing unrest and instability between Modern Zionism and the Arabic World. This is completely in line with the call for a Third World War to be fought between the two, and their allies on both sides. This Third World War is still to come, and recent events show us that it is not far off.

[averycanadianfilm]

4AM@McDonald's

Fun time, summertime It's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem the after bar rush the after midnight crush mayhem at McDonald's the irish whirlwind is truly phenomenal sverige är bra shouted a local swedish visitor drunken delirium stokes the mayhem just another late night in vancouver met a med student from st. andrew but actually knew her from SMUS a posh high school inna gordon head Victoria since I last saw her, been to the red hills of jamaica an the grand beaches of grenada conversed like old acquaintances chance meetings just coincidences just random instances or deeper synchronicities cause shit like that frequently happens to me in each and every city just a part of this life's journey synchronicity sublime connectivity chance encounters on the trans canada bus a faraway gal says her i must trust a transatlantic mystery an example of amazing synastry of these things i have no rational explanation an what do they have to do with exudate formation or leukocyte margination and migration do they influence normal microcirculation flow cause this is what the studious pre-med students want to know as they stress over their MCAT score while at the next table lit enthusiats mull over african folklore an some south asians wonder what's borsht at the same time an indian woman wants to trade in her brother's hand-me-down porsche some dudes lusting over a hot mercedes which turns out to be a lady at the bar, who flashed them her hot pink panties life is like this only an some african students chat about being home-sick and lonely I go where the road takes me on this life's journey back an forth across this vast country fun time, summertime it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem all over Vancouver the summer irish invasion is famous some say notorious just ask the driver of the N17 UBC night bus those irish kids are boisterous to say the least every night seems like some celebratory feast from the land of joyce so many have such a strong voice known plenty of great irish men including William Rowan Hamilton bet you've never heard-a him one of the greatest men from ireland don't know if there are any sons of republicans many hail from dublin an will casually walk into a fucking cafe, with a pitcher full of guinness their rowdy behaviour tests some canadian's notions of politeness they party like they're at temple bar or a porter house bar star so said Sara and Olivia, two Dublin locals about the dublin party scene they were quite vocal dance like they're at dandelion, tripod or the palace so said this hot irish lass in dublin the clubs close at 3 then a stop at micky ds roll home by half-4 sleep an get ready to party some more fun time, summertime it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem the McDonald's after party hub point grey locals coming from the media or railway club or perhaps the campus pub or coming home from gastown or some other establishment downtown or after a beach party at McDonald's they continue their revelry cause after all a that partying, them hungry sit down and swap stories and some tell lies over a big mac and fries sometimes the place gets too loud, lewd, and rowdy an the fillipino manager has to call the RCMP taxis pull up an give partiers a safe ride toot toot beep beep i'm thinking i need some fucking sleep lovers at the corner table want to get home in a hurry after quickly slurping down their McFlurries fun time, summertime it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem it's the 4am mayhem an I sit at the table and write about them.

words and music by Hubert Hugh Burke (~2013)

haha...I forgot about this song. :-)

[serve-update]

Robert Herjavec Net Worth: He Is From Shark Tank Season 14 And Is Also A Writer!

Croatian-born Canadian Robert Herjavec is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and TV host. He has been around for 60 years, having been born on 14 September 1962 in Varadin, Croatia. Herjavec started the Canadian Internet security software integrator BRAK Systems, which he later sold to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million.

Robert Herjavec Net Worth

Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and TV host Robert Herjavec are worth an estimated $300 million. Robert Herjavec has become famous as a result of his participation in Shark Tank, a business reality show. https://twitter.com/vnaij/status/1169908297916223488 Business plans and ideas presented to Robert and the other "Sharks" on the show are evaluated. To add to his resume, he also made an appearance on Dragon's Den, the Canadian edition of the show. We hope you like reading this content Rey Mysterio Net Worth. Herjavec is not only a well-known face on television but also an accomplished businessman. This venture investor is one of Canada's most celebrated success stories, having built a formidable business empire on the back of innovations in online safety.

He Is From Shark Tank Season 14 And Is Also A Writer.

Robert Herjavec, a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and TV personality, built a formidable commercial empire in the field of online safety. The majority of the entrepreneur's wealth comes from his various business interests and enterprises. Although Robert's tale is an inspiring example of an immigrant making it big, it's important to note that when he graduated from the University of Toronto, he worked for the bare minimum. Robert, who has degrees in both English literature and political science, is working for minimum wage because he needs to provide for his family. It's possible that you'd be intrigued by the following, too George Clooney Net Worth. After that, he became a third assistant director (AD) before switching careers and starting to market computer equipment for Logiquest. In time, Robert rose through the ranks to become the company's top executive.

Robert Herjavec Net Worth The businessman quit Logiquest in 1990 to establish BRAK Systems. The internet security software firm he founded in his basement. AT&T Canada purchased the business for almost $30 million in 2000, ten years after its founding. As a result of his achievement, Herjavec stopped running his own business to become the vice president of sales at Ramp Network. But in 2003, he got back to work on his dream of starting his own company, The Herjavec Group. Check this Last Of Us Episode 6 Release Date. The organization is the largest provider of IT security services in Canada and a leader in the field of internet security. In its initial year of operation, the company barely made $400,000 in sales, but those figures have since skyrocketed. The Herjavec Group reportedly had yearly revenues of $200 million in 2017. The Shark Tank judge has also written several books offering business and personal finance guidance. In 2010, he published his debut book, Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life. Soon after, in 2013, came The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, and Succeeding. Herjavec's second book serves as the basis for a series of talks he's given. You Don't Have to be a Shark: Creating Your Success, his third book, was published in 2016. Must read this article Toy Story 5 Release Date. Robert Herjavec has backed several of the pitches made by competitors on Shark Tank and Dragon's Den. To get a 10% stake in Tipsy Elves, he put up $100,000. In 2018, it was reported that the company had made $70 million in sales since its inception, so it appears that he made a good investment here. On September 23 at 8 pm ET, ABC will air the first episode of Shark Tank USA. https://youtu.be/iDKlmFluROM Description Any fan of "Shark Tank" might benefit from watching the documentary "Robert Herjavec Net Worth." You'll find yourself saying "Geeeeez" (even if you don't like this term) as you watch the show because it's about a celebrity and the facts of his net worth. It was painstakingly designed and developed to achieve its amazing graphics and animation effects. If you haven't seen it yet, please do so, and then rate it and leave your opinions below if it entertained you. If you like this article, follow our website serveupdate.com & don’t forget to follow our social media handles.   Read the full article

[westavenueglobal]

What is Immigration? - abroad migration services in dubai

What is Immigration? - abroad migration services dubai

Immigration is the process of moving to live permanently in a foreign country. It involves obtaining the necessary legal documents and permission from the government of the country where you wish to immigrate. Immigration can be done for various reasons, such as for work, study, family reunification, or for political or personal reasons.

There are two main types of immigration:-  permanent and temporary. Permanent immigration allows an individual to live and work in a country indefinitely, and it usually leads to citizenship. Temporary immigration, on the other hand, allows an individual to live and work in a country for a limited period of time, such as for a specific job or for a specific period of study.

Each country has its own immigration laws and regulations, and the process of immigrating to a country can be complex and time-consuming. It often involves completing a series of forms, providing documentation, and undergoing medical and security checks.

 What are the Tourist Places in Canada?  - Canada immigration consultants in Dubai

Canada is a vast and diverse country with many beautiful tourist destinations to visit. Here are some of the most popular tourist places in Canada:-

Niagara Falls: Located on the border between Ontario and New York, these iconic falls are a must-see for any visitor to Canada.

Banff National Park: One of Canada's most famous national parks, Banff is home to stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, and hot springs.

The Rocky Mountains: Stretching from British Columbia to Alberta, the Rocky Mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada, including glaciers, lakes, and wildlife.

Canadian Rockies: The Canadian Rockies are a mountain range in western Canada, that boasts of its natural beauty, including the famous Moraine Lake and the beautiful Peyto Lake.

The CN Tower: Standing at 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), the CN Tower is a popular tourist destination in Toronto, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Quebec City: This charming, historic city is the capital of Quebec and is known for its well-preserved, 17th-century architecture and its European feel.

Montreal: Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada, known for its rich cultural heritage, festivals, and architecture.

Vancouver: Known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture and mild climate, Vancouver is home to many famous attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Stanley Park.

Churchill: Located in the northern part of Manitoba, Churchill is a small town that is known as the "Polar Bear Capital of the World," and it is one of the best places to see polar bears and other arctic wildlife.

The Bay of Fundy: The Bay of Fundy is famous for its massive tidal changes, where the tide can rise and fall as much as 16 meters (52 feet) in a single day.

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and diverse tourist destinations in Canada. There are many other places to explore and discover depending on your interests and time. 

Canada Visa - Canada immigration consultants in Dubai

To study or work in Canada, most people will need a visa. The specific visa required will depend on the individual's circumstances and the length of their stay in Canada.

Study permit: International students will need a study permit to study in Canada. This permit is issued by the Canadian government and allows students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) for the duration of their program.

Temporary Work Permit: International workers will need a temporary work permit to work in Canada. This permit is issued by the Canadian government and allows workers to work for a specific employer for a specific period of time.

Visitor Visa: For people who want to visit Canada for tourism or business, a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) is required.

Permanent Residence: For people who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, they can apply for Permanent Residence through various programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Worker Program, Family sponsorship, etc.

It's important to note that the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, and requirements can vary depending on the individual's country of origin and the type of visa they are applying for. It's best to consult the Government of Canada's website or a Canadian immigration lawyer for specific information and guidance. 

Read more… Top 10 Benefits Of Canada PR

West Avenue Global -  abroad migration services dubai

We assist you throughout the entire process and prepare your application for submission to the Home Office. Our dedicated immigration lawyers have a proven track record of providing expert, efficient, and effective legal support for a comprehensive range of services tailored to your specific requirements.

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[stepwiseimmigration01]

Canada Federal Skilled Worker visa

According to many studies, Canada is famous for its top-tier global immigration system. This means it offers great job chances for those with clear skill sets. Canada has some of the lowest job rates and more job openings than similar nations. In addition, political peace and safety, diverse folks, and free healthcare are some main reasons people love Canada. Thus, superb education choices are another reason making it an ideal spot for emigres seeking settlement services. Looking for the best Canada federal skilled worker visa. Then, call our experts at Stepwise Immigrations. This is because we are the best Canada FSW visa experts all over Canada. Let’s read more in this blog.

What is Canada federal skilled worker visa?

The federal skilled visa Canada follows certain steps to rank the top-ranking applicants to enter Canada. It can have checking of both the applicants and the wards for various rules.

The process for this Canada federal skilled worker visa is very difficult, and any mistake can lead to the denial of the pass. Thus, it is best to reach Stepwise Immigrations as we are the best Canada visa federal skilled worker program experts. Call our experts today.

Like the skilled worker program, every area of Canada has to follow the same rules in selection bars. Canadian skilled work visas assist in picking the right candidate that will donate to the region’s financial growth. Call Stepwise Immigrations to speak with our experts. Our experts will do anything so that you can trust us forever.

Canada visa federal skilled worker program Requirements

You must meet the minimum requirements to get a Canada FSW visa.

Read the full article about Canada Federal Skilled Worker visa

[scotianostra]

Happy  Birthday to Scottish actor,  John Gordon Sinclair born February 4th 1962 in Glasgow.

His birth name was Gordon John Sinclair but there was a Gordon Sinclair already registered with Equity so added Sinclair.

He joined Glasgow’s Youth Theatre after he visited one night and met fellow fan of Canadian progressive rock group Rush, Robert Buchanan. As a result he starred in a number of films by director Bill Forsyth, perhaps the most famous of which was 1981’s Gregory’s Girl, shot when he was 19 years old. He reprised the role nearly two decades later in Gregory’s Two Girls, and also appeared in Forsyth’s Local Hero.

He has continued to act on stage and screen. Other roles include parts in Goodbye Mr Steadman, Mad About Alice Gasping and Roman Road. He was also in the first series of LWT’s Hot Metal and both the radio and television sitcom An Actor’s Life For Me. He played Dan Weir in Espedair Street, the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of my favourite Iain Banks novel, as well as playing the lead part of Dr. Finlay in the Radio 4 series entitled Adventures of a Black Bag.

He appeared in the 1982 Scottish squad’s World Cup song “We Have a Dream”, a number 5 hit in the UK, which was written and performed by BA Robertson. It featured John Gordon Sinclair speaking his recollection of a dream about Scottish football success. He later revived this Scottish footballing connection by narrating the 2006-07 BBC Scotland documentary series That Was The Team That Was.

John Gordon Sinclair played Frank McClusky, a leading character, in the 1990 John Byrne TV serial “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and played one of the main characters in the Tesco TV adverts in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside Prunella Scales and Jane Horrocks. He has appeared in the West End of London on many occasions The pinnacle must have been when he was awarded an Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 1995 for Best Actor in a Musical for his 1994 performance in “She Loves Me”.

Sinclair also performed the part of “Master of Ceremonies” in Mike Oldfield’s premiere performance of Tubular Bells II at Edinburgh Castle in 1992. More recently John has been seen in World War Z with Brad Pitt, the BBC series Ill Behaviour and the forensic crime drama Traces, alongside fellow Scots Martin Compston and Laura Fraser. There’s nothing new to report on John, his last film was in 2020, Miss Marx a period biography about Karl Marx’s youngest daughter.

I follow John on twitter and he has replied a couple of times to comments I have made, we share the same political views and is a supporter of Scottish Independence.

[mercurygray]

So, I Hear You Liked: 1917

More World War One Films

I was very excited about 1917 when it first came out because it almost perfectly coincided with the 100th anniversary of the First World War, a conflict that I love to read about, write about, and watch movies about. This period is my JAM, and there's such a lot of good content for when you're done with Sam Mendes's film.

Obviously there are a lot of movies and TV shows out there - this is just a selection that I enjoyed, and wish more people knew about.

Note: Everyone enjoys a show or movie for different reasons. These shows are on this list because of the time period they depict, not because of the quality of their writing, the accuracy of their history or the political nature of their content. Where I’m able to, I’ve mentioned if a book is available if you’d like to read more.

I'd like to start the list with a movie that isn't a fiction piece at all - Peter Jackson's They Shall Not Grow Old (2019) is a beautifully produced film that allows the soldiers and archival images themselves, lovingly retimed and tinted into living color, to tell their own story. It is a must watch for anyone interested in the period.

Wings (1927), All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), A Farewell to Arms (1932, 1957), The Dawn Patrol (1938), Sergeant York (1941), and Paths of Glory (1957) are all classics with a couple of Oscars between them, and it's sort of fun to watch how the war gets changed and interpreted as the years pass. (The Dawn Patrol, for instance, might as just as easily be about the RAF in World War 2.)

All Quiet is based on a famous memoir, and A Farewell to Arms on a Hemingway novel; both have several adaptations and they're all a little different. Speaking of iconic novels, Doctor Zhivago (1965) based on the Pasternak novel of the same title, examines life of its protagonist between 1905 and the start of the second World War.

I think one thing historians agree on is that the start of World War One is worth discussing - and that there's a lot of backstory. Fall of Eagles (1974), a 13 part BBC miniseries, details the relationships between the great houses of Europe, starting in the 1860s; it's long but good, and I think might be on YouTube. The Last Czars (2019) takes a dramatized look at the Romanovs and how their reactions to the war lead to their eventual demise.

As far as the war itself, Sarajevo (2014) and 37 Days (2014) both discuss the outbreak of hostilities and the slow roll into actual battle.

The Passing Bells (2014) follows the whole war through the eyes of two soldiers, one German and one British, beginning in peacetime.

Joyeux Noel ( 2005) is a cute story - it takes place early in the war during the Christmas Peace and approaches the event from a multinational perspective.

War Horse (2011) is, of course, a name you'll recognize. Based on the breakout West End play, which is itself based on a YA novel by Michael Morpurgo, the story follows a horse who's requisitioned for cavalry service and the young man who owns him. Private Peaceful (2012) is also based on a Morpurgo novel, but I didn't think it was quite as good as War Horse.

The Wipers Times (2013) is one of my all-time favorites; it's about a short lived trench paper written and produced by soldiers near Ypres, often called Wipers by the average foot soldier. The miniseries, like the paper, is laugh out loud funny in a dark humor way.

My Boy Jack (2007) is another miniseries based on a play, this one about Rudyard Kipling and his son, Jack, who served in the Irish Guards and died at Loos. Kipling later wrote a poem about the death of his son, and helped select the phrase that appears on all commonwealth gravestones of the First World War.

Gallipoli (1981) is stunning in a way only a Peter Weir movie can be; this is a classic and a must-see.

Gallipoli is a big story that's been told and retold a lot. I still haven't seen Deadline Gallipoli (2015) an Australian miniseries about the men who wrote about the battle for the folks back home and were subject to censorship about how bad things really were. For a slightly different perspective, the Turkish director Yesim Sezgin made Çanakkale 1915 in 2012, detailing the Turkish side of the battle. Although most of The Water Diviner (2014) takes place after the war is over, it also covers parts of Gallipoli and while it didn't get great reviews, I enjoy it enough to own it on DVD.

I don't know why all of my favorite WWI films tend to be Australian; Beneath Hill 60 (2010) is another one of my favorites, talking about the 1st Australian Tunneling Company at the Ypres Salient. The War Below (2021) promises to tell a similar story about the Pioneer companies at Messines, responsible for building the huge network of mines there.

Passchendaele (2008) is a Canadian production about the battle of the same name. I'd forgotten I've seen this film, which might not say very much for the story.

Journey's End (2017) is an adaptation of an RC Sheriff play that takes place towards the end of the war in a dugout amongst British officers.

No look at the Great War is complete without a nod to developing military technologies, and this is the war that pioneers the aviation battle for us. I really wish Flyboys (2006) was better than it is, but The Red Baron (2008) makes up for it from the German perspective.

One of the reasons I like reading about the First World War is that everyone is having a revolution. Technology is growing by leaps and bounds, women are fighting for the right to vote, and a lot of colonial possessions are coming into their own, including (but not limited to) Ireland. Rebellion (2016) was a multi-season miniseries that went into the Easter Rising, as well as the role the war played there. Michael Collins (1996) spends more time with the Anglo-Irish war in the 1920s but is still worth watching (or wincing through Julia Roberts' bad accent, you decide.) The Wind that Shakes the Barley covers the same conflict and is excellent.

The centennial of the war meant that in addition to talking about the war, people were also interested in talking about the Armenian Genocide. The Promise (2016) and The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017) came out around the same time and two different looks at the situation in Armenia.

This is a war of poets and writers, of whom we have already mentioned a few. Hedd Wynn ( 1992) which is almost entirely in Welsh, and tells the story of Ellis Evans, a Welsh language poet who was killed on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele. I think Ioan Gruffudd has read some of his poetry online somewhere, it's very pretty. A Bear Named Winnie (2004) follows the life of the bear who'd become the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. Tolkien (2019) expands a little on the author's early life and his service during the war. Benediction (2021) will tell the story of Siegfried Sassoon and his time at Craiglockhart Hospital. Craiglockhart is also represented in Regeneration (1997) based on a novel by Pat Barker.

Anzac Girls (2014) is probably my favorite mini-series in the history of EVER; it follows the lives of a group of Australian and New Zealand nurses from hospital duty in Egypt to the lines of the Western Front. I love this series not only because it portrays women (ALWAYS a plus) but gives a sense of the scope of the many theatres of the war that most movies don't. It's based on a book by Peter Rees, which is similarly excellent.

On a similar note, The Crimson Field (2014) explores the lives of members of a Voluntary Aid Detachment, or VADs, lady volunteers without formal nursing training who were sent to help with menial work in hospitals. It only ran for a season but had a lot of potential. Testament of Youth (2014) is based on the celebrated memoirs of Vera Brittain, who served as a VAD for part of the war and lead her to become a dedicated pacifist.

Also, while we're on the subject of women, though these aren't war movies specifically, I feel like the additional color to the early 20th century female experience offered by Suffragette (2015) and Iron-Jawed Angels (2004) is worth the time.

As a general rule, Americans don't talk about World War One, and we sure don't make movies about it, either. The Lost Battalion (2001) tells the story of Major Charles Whittlesey and the 9 companies of the 77th Infantry division who were trapped behind enemy lines during the battle of the Meuse Argonne.

I should add that this list is curtailed a little bit by what's available for broadcast or stream on American television, so it's missing a lot of dramas in other languages. The Road to Calvary (2017) was a Russian drama based on the novels of Alexei Tolstoy. Kurt Seyit ve Şura (2014) is based on a novel and follows a love story between a Crimean officer (a Muslim) and the Russian woman he loves. The show is primarily in Turkish, and Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who plays the lead, is *very* attractive.

Finally, although it might seem silly to mention them, Upstairs Downstairs (1971-1975 ) Downton Abbey (2010-2015) and Peaky Blinders (2013-present) are worth a mention and a watch. All of them are large ensemble TV shows that take place over a much longer period than just the Great War, but the characters in each are shaped tremendously by the war.

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

World War Z was published in 2006, but takes place in 2009 at the earliest.  Late in the book, astronaut Terry Knox states that the International Space Station took over 10 years to complete; it started construction in November 1998, and Chief of Staff Karl Rove Grover Carlson says that the Republican party barely eked back into power after a disastrous 2-termer who started a “brush fire war” in the Middle East (George W. Bush).  He mentions an election year, but he doesn’t specify if it was the new president’s first or second term, so it’s either set right after 2008 or 2012.  This was written before the Nintendo Wii was announced, but one chapter mentions that people brought their GameCubes with them as they fled their homes in search of safety in the frozen Canadian wilderness.  This same chapter also mentions that they didn’t know how to pick survival gear; a park ranger finds a SpongeBob SquarePants sleeping bag frozen in the mud because its owner didn’t know the difference between a child’s indoor sleeping bag for slumber parties and a real insulated survival bag for camping.

The new president is never named, he’s just told be be pro-big business and anti-regulation, pushing a placebo zombie vaccine through the FDA to jumpstart the economy.  When shit hits the fan, he is “sedated” and his vice president takes power; we’re never told what happened to the president, whether he was bitten or had a stroke, just that he was “sedated.”  His Vice President is directly implied to be Colin Powell; he’s former military with family in Jamaica and black.  He appoints Howard Dean to be his vice president to form a bipartisan coalition; he is never referred to by name, but it is clearly supposed to be Howard Dean.  He was a rising star in the Democratic party from Vermont whose wife is a doctor and whose career imploded after he had a passionate outburst.  In 2004, Howard Dean gave a speech where he started passinately screaming about how he was gonna start sweeping state primaries and ride a wave into the White House, punctuating his point by going “HHEEUEAHHGH!!”  This was political suicide in 2004, and he was laughed out of the race.  In the book, he is referred to only as “the Whacko” because of this.  It is implied that he was Powell’s second choice for VP, his first being Barack Obama; the Whacko says that the Democrats wanted somebody else, somebody of the same skin color as the president, but that the country wasn’t ready for that.  In 2004, Obama was a candidate for senate in Illinois, so popular and so well spoken that he gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention before he even won his seat; then and there, pundits already had him pegged as the first black president, they could see the writing on the walls.  The Whacko becomes president when Powell dies of stress, but he is consistently referred to only as the wartime Vice President, out of respect for his boss.

Also, the Attorney General is implied to be Rudy Giuliani; all that is said about him was that he was the mayor of New York and once tried to give himself emergency powers to stay in office after his term.  Giuliani did exactly that after 9/11.

Other real life figures mentioned in the book

Fidel Castro; a ton of Cuban Americans flee the continent and return to the island during the zombie war, and he jumpstarts the economy by putting them to work as cheap laborers and slowly integrating them back into Cuban society.  He rehabilitates his image by stepping down as dictator and democratizing the country, voting himself out of office before the “nortecubanos” could hang him for decades of war crimes.

Nelson Mendela, referred to by his birth name Rolihlahla, the father of modern South Africa, he personally invites Paul Redekker, a former apartheid era political analyst, to solve the zombie problem; in the 80s, Redekker created a plan for the white minority government in case the black majority ever rose up against them.  In real life, Mandela lowered the temperature when he was elected president, saying that revenge against the apartheid government would do more harm than good.  In the story, Mandela uses this as justification to reuse the apartheid era plan to handle the zombie outbreak instead.  Redekker is so overcome by his compassion and forgiveness that he has a mental episode and dissociates, believing himself to be a black South African.

Kim Jong-il, the dictator of North Korea, he withdraws all troops from the DMZ and shuts the entire country down.  After months of radio silence, it is revealed that the entire country’s population has vanished; all satellite imagery shows a desolate wasteland, no zombies, but no humans either. He presumably moved everyone into subterranean bunker systems where he not only control their lives as on the surface, but now their access to food, water, and air.  He presumably became the god emperor he always wanted to be; either that, or the entire tunnel complex has been overrun, turning every man woman and child in North Korea into zombies.  The South Korean government refuses to send a expedition into the North to figure out what happened, lest they open up one of the tunnels and unleash millions of zombies onto the surface.

Martin Scorsese, mentioned in passing only as “Marty,” a friend of world famous film director Roy Elliot, who himself is a thinly veiled pastiche of Steven Spielberg.  Interestingly enough, the audio book features Martin Scorsese doing the voice of the conartist who created the placebo vaccine

One chapter has a ton of vapid celebrities hole together in a fortified mansion on Long Island, and takes great care to show each of them getting torn apart not by zombies but by regular people who storm the facility because they were stupid enough to broadcast their location on reality television.  A redneck with a “Get’er Done” hat (Larry the Cable Guy) and some bald guy with diamond earrings (Howie Mandel) blow themselves up with a grenade.  Rival political commentators, an annoying guy who talks about feminization of western society and a leathery blonde (Bill Maher and Ann Coulter) have end-of-the-world viking sex as the facility burns to the ground.  A dumb starlet (Paris Hilton) is killed by one of her handlers and her little rat dog escapes on foot.  A radio shock jock (Howard Stern) actually survives the war and restarts his show.

Michael Stipe of REM joins the army to fight the zombies

Another war veteran mentions how his brother used to have a bunch of Mel Brooks’ old comedy skits on vinyl record, and how he and his squad acted out the “Boy meets Girl” puppet skit with some human skulls.  Mel Brooks is author and narrator Max Brooks’ father.

Queen Elizabeth II, refuses to evacuate England when the island is overrun by zombies.  She intends to remain in Buckingham Palace “for the duration,” mirroring the fact that her parents refused to evacuate to Canada during World War II.

Vladimir Putin declares himself Tsar of the Holy Russian Empire, an ultra-orthodox religious state that has armed priests execute political dissidents under the guise of mercy killing people who have been bitten by zombies.

Yang Liwei, the first “taikonaut” (Chinese astronaut) has a space station named after him

While the main conflict is about government responses to the zombie pandemic, we see glimpses of a greater war torn planet.

A major plot line involves a Chinese Civil War which sees the entire communist politburo nuked out of existence by a rebel sub commander, as well as an attempted “scorched space policy” where the government planned to blow up their space station with scuttling charges to cause a cascade of space debris to encircle the Earth and prevent any other countries from launching missions in the future (this is known as Kessler Syndrome in real life, and was featured as the inciting incident of the 2013 movie Gravity).  The People’s Republic becomes the United Federation.

Iran and Pakistan destroy each other in nuclear war; everyone thought it would be India and Pakistan, but they had very close diplomatic infrastructure in place to prevent such a catastrophe; Pakistan helped Iran build a nuclear arsenal, but as millions of refugees fled from India through Pakistan to the east, Iran had to blow up some Pakistani bridges to stem the flow of zombies, which led to a border war and eventually total nuclear retaliation.

Floridians flee to Cuba, Wisconsinites flee to Canada, the federal government flees to Hawaii.  Everything east of the Rockies is abandoned and ruled by warlords until the government sorts itself out and mounts an expedition to clear the continent of zombies by literally marching an unbroken line of soldiers stretching from Canada to Mexico across the wasteland to the Atlantic.

Israel withdraws from Gaza and the West Bank to become super isolationist, building a wall around the entire country to stop the zombies getting in (they were the first country to respond to the pandemic, and the most successful), but the religious right rebels against the secular left in a civil war that sees Jerusalem ceded to a unified Palestine.

It is an amazing, multifaceted story with so much going on that nobody recognizes.  It was written as a response to the end of the Cold War and the start of the War on Terror.  It’s about a geopolitical shift, a change in the status quo, a disaster from which the world never recovers; America before 9/11 was a very different place than American after 9/11.  Iraq and Afghanistan changed everything, and we’re still feeling their effects to this day; the story uses the zombie apocalypse as the next big international disaster the world must adapt to.  World War Z is World War III with zombies, and I think it would do a lot better if it were published today, now that we’ve had several decades to respond to the fall of the Soviet Union and the endless wars in the Middle East and a global pandemic.