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Canada
CANADA
I lived in New York for almost 5 years until I immigrated to Canada in 1989 (until 2004). I cannot help but compare Toronto with New York (just the 2 cities since I cannot comment on the 2 countries as a whole).
salmon fishing in the Great Lakes of Canada
Race
In New York, although it's taboo to say anything racist, New Yorkers are racist - you feel it and they make you feel it if you're not white. On the other hand, Toronto while remaining a white-shoe establishment, are also racist underneath, but they seem to make an honest effort to correct this feeling (intellectually, they already get it). I noticed that if you do not perceive racism, then it will not exist. However, if you suffer from this racist-victim complex, then the most benign behavior by Canadians is miscontrued as racist.
As a Place to Live and Raise a Family
Hands down, Toronto is a much better place. It's more peaceful, people are more tolerant, perhaps even considerate, medical insurance is for everyone, and you feel the protection of the state. In fairness, I lived as an immigrant/citizen of Canada while I was an overstaying tourist in New York (thus no benefits from the state). New York however, has its inherent underlying threat of violence. In the early 90s, you can get mugged on Park Avenue (one of New York's most prestigious addresses).
Art, Business and Freedom of Expression
While Toronto is not bad as a city of art, business and being yourself, it cannot compare to New York. In fact, I don't think anything can compare to New York when it comes to this. In the Arts, you have Broadway plays, museums, art galleries, music schools, etc. In business, you have Wall Street - enough said. The world's best talents converge in New York because they feel the need for a bigger stage. But in New York, they realize they're not special...since everyone else is special in their home country.
-- Gigit (aka TheLoneRider)
Canada Map (Google Map)
Canada Blogs
- Day 1-2: Goodbye Toronto, Hello Geneva May 1, 2004
- Toronto Burners' Hoedown April 30, 2004
- Julia's 18th Birthday Bash April 30, 2004
- Issa's Birthday April 29, 2004
- Last Few Days April 28, 2004
- Parting with Trifina and Danny April 27, 2004
- Sahar's Partner-Yoga Party April 17, 2004
- The Last Pizza Nite April 10, 2004
- Pizza Nite with the AIM Crew II April 4, 2004
- BikeNXS Icebreaker Mar 28, 2004
- Rock Climbing and Pizza Nite with the Roses Mar 14, 2004
- Snowboarding at Blue Mountain with The Promise crew Mar 5, 2004
- Burner Prom Night Feb 28, 2004
- Toronto Climbing Academy Feb 27, 2004
- Pizza Nite Jan 24, 2004
- 2003 a year in review Dec 31, 2003
- Blues at Grossmans Tavern Dec 23, 2003
- Kensington Market Festival of Lights Dec 21, 2003
- Toronto Burners at the Beverly Tavern Dec >18, 2003
- Naomi Birthday Bash Dec 13, 2003
- Winter W.O.W. Nov 23, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Colleagues Nov 21, 2003
- Toronto Burners Pre Decomp Gathering Nov 20, 2003
- Jordans Hazelwood Acoustic Project IV Nov 9, 2003
- Halloween at the Rocky Picture Horror Show Oct 31, 2003
- Margaret Birthday Bash Oct 30, 2003
- Sarah Birthday Party Oct 25, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Hanka, Galia and Jordan Oct 22, 2003
- Joe Rockheads with the Toronto Burners Oct 20, 2003
- Night Mountain Biking at the Rouge with Galia Oct 5, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Friends Oct 3, 2003
- Liberty Bicycles Off-Road Squeezer Sep 28, 2003
- Toronto Burners at Play Sep 25, 2003
- BikeNXS Durham Durango Sep 21, 2003
- Genevieve Toronto Visit Sep 11, 2003
- Angela and Philip Birthday Bash Sep 6, 2003
- Sarahs BBQ party for Tamara, Nofar and Jonathan Aug 22, 2003
- 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Hardwood Hills Aug 16, 2003
- Alpha Racings Crazy 8s 8 Hour Relay Aug 10, 2003
- Taste of the Danforth with Claire Aug 9, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Tamara, Dev, Jordan and Sarah Aug 8, 2003
- Rolling Stones Concert Jul 30, 2003
- Genevieve Goodbye Toronto Party Jul 29, 2003
- Chico Racing Dagmar Derailleur Destroyer Jul 27, 2003
- Su Post-Survivor BBQ Jul 26, 2003
- AIM Play Day Jul 23, 2003
- A talk on yoga at LQ Link Jul 18, 2003
- Dinner with the Dean Jul 17, 2003
- BikeNXS Summer Sizzler Jul 13, 2003
- Sarahs Birthday Bash for Dev Jul 12, 2003
- Allman Brothers Band concert Jul 9, 2003
- Helping with Genevieves move Jul 7, 2003
- Biking at the paved Don Trails Jul 6, 2003
- Camping with the Pinedas at Glen Rouge Jul 5, 2003
- Pizza Nite with the ebiz crew Jul 3, 2003
- Canada Day party at Cherry Beach Jul 1, 2003
- A Day in the Life of a Mountain Biker Jun 28, 2003
- OM Summer Solstice Festival 2003 Jun 20, 2003
- 24 Hours of Adrenalin - Kelso Jun 15, 2003
- Kids Enduro - Kelso Jun 14, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Julia and Chris Jun 8, 2003
- Hardwood Hills Canada Cup 3 May 31, 2003
- Critical Mass Ride May 30, 2003
- Chico Racing Epic 8 Hour Enduro Series 1 May 11, 2003
- Scott and Rashelles BBQ party May 10, 2003
- Fly Gurlz team launch May 7, 2003
- Rouge Bonding May 4, 2003
- 2nd Anniversary Retrospective Look May 1, 2003
- Paris to Ancaster Apr 27, 2003
- Pizza Nite with Miss Genevieve and Carrrie Apr 26, 2003
- BikeNXS Gnarly Charly Apr 19, 2003
- Project: Code Overhaul - anniversary, Still pissed Apr 15, 2003
- Shifting sands of friendship, Milestones with Karen Part 2, Sarah cancells Pizza Nite Apr 14, 2003
- Kids on my back - literally Apr 13, 2003
- Breakfast with Agnes, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Divya Apr 12, 2003
- Milestones with Karen Part 1 Apr 11, 2003
- Partner yoga, Cold Calls Apr 10, 2003
- Agnes - Partner Yoga, Milestones Customer Appreciation Night Apr 9, 2003
- Lyndseys New York Apr 8, 2003
- Thor Heyerdahl Apr 7, 2003
- Wine Harvest Apr 5, 2003
- Lunch with Agnes at Mcdonalds, Lyndsey and the Snow Storm, Yoga teacher for 15 minutes Apr 3, 2003
- Icebreaker 2003 Mar 30, 2003
- Morning Kriya Mar 24, 2003
- The Morning After, Enigma Mar 23, 2003
- Drum Circle, Ektoplazms Midnight Sun, The AIM Guy, The Wanderer Mar 22, 2003
- Lunch at Asian Legend, Art of Living Follow-up, Jazz Bar with Celeste and Andre Mar 21, 2003
- Lunch with Agnes at Hooraiya, Yoga and the Monkey Mind, Tears of the Sun - the movie Mar 18, 2003
- Art of Living course - the last day Mar 17, 2003
- Art of Living Course - Day 4 Mar 16, 2003
- Spring Weather, Kriya, A Very Special Lunch Mar 15, 2003
- Art of Living Mar 13, 2003
- Last day for yoga, Coffee with Sun-you, The Recruit - the movie Mar 11, 2003
- Kids March Break, Outside Looking In Mar 10, 2003
- Pretzel with kids, Lazy Sunday with Emily...and Jamie Mar 9, 2003
- Speeding Violation, Partner Yoga, Gabby Bday Mar 8, 2003
- Honor What the Body is Saying, Moth by a Flame Mar 7, 2003
- Cold snowy ride, Chess with Babak Mar 5, 2003
- Toronto International Bike Show Mar 1, 2003
- Toronto International Bike Show Feb 28, 2003
- Collective Survival of the Tribe, Blast Bars Feb 26, 2003
- Teaching the yoga class Feb 25, 2003
- Wiping Out, Branding Principles Feb 24, 2003
- Sunday Yoga, Media Plate Feb 23, 2003
- All That Jazz Feb 22, 2003
- Small-Man Complex Feb 21, 2003
- Gambling, Gods and LSD - The Movie...Finally! Feb 20, 2003
- The Kept Promise, Going Through a Red Light Feb 19, 2003
- French Level 4 Feb 18, 2003
- Canadian Auto Show Feb 15, 2003
- Bite at the Forbidden Apple, With Emily at Marche Feb 14, 2003
- Lucid Thought link removal Feb 13, 2003
- Junkie in search of a fix Feb 6, 2003
- Conversation with my yogi Feb 5, 2003
- Chinese New Year, Gambling, Gods and LSD Feb 1, 2003
- Separating the myth from the person Jan 29, 2003
- First day of yoga Jan 28, 2003
- Bouree on hold Jan 27, 2003
- Lee Kuan Yew and Ferdinand Marcos Jan 26, 2003
- Pizza Nite Jan 25, 2003
- Minus 30 Jan 23, 2003
- Contractor in Fulltime Employee Clothing Jan 22, 2003
- Wine Racking, Juns Baby Jan 18, 2003
- Snowboarding at Mount St. Louis Jan 12, 2003
- Hurting for Connection, TheLoneRiders Jan 9, 2003
- Wine racking, Juns Baby Jan 8, 2003
- True Friends Jan 6, 2003
- Hedwig and the Angry Inch Jan 5, 2003
- Snow Storm Ride, Maternity Leave, The Ride Back Jan 3, 2003
- Brunch with Emily, Harry Potter, Dragon Center, Kids and me Jan 1, 2003
- New Year Ride Dec 31, 2002
- Cuyegkeng Christmas Party Dec 28, 2002
- Untimely Moment Dec 27, 2002
- Holiday Blues, Getting Anchored, Gangs of New York Dec 24, 2002
- Fleeting Moment of Enlightenment Dec 23, 2002
- Lonerider and LoneWolf Dec 18, 2002
- Beyond Cynicism Dec 16, 2002
- Be what you wanna be, Go where you wanna go, Do what you wanna do Dec 13, 2002
- Afternoon Coffee Ritual Dec 12, 2002
- Sushi with Emily Dec 8, 2002
- AIM Winter Carnival, Paella Dinner Dec 7, 2002
- Magical Moments Dec 6, 2002
- Gift certificate Dec 4, 2002
- Beginning of Friendship Dec 3, 2002
- Snow Ride, Flute Nov 29, 2002
- Yoga, Fun Lunch Nov 28, 2002
- Kiran, Kate Nov 27, 2002
- Brians Excellent Party, Emilys Surprise Birthday Party Nov 23, 2002
- Yoga, The Last Castle Nov 21, 2002
- Lunch at Sakura Nov 20, 2002
- First day back to work Nov 15, 2002
- The Last 2 Weeks - day 14 Nov 14, 2002
- Home Alone - day 7, Tim and Bill Nov 7, 2002
- Home Alone - day 5 Nov 5, 2002
- Home Alone Nov 2, 2002
- Nose Surgery Nov 1, 2002
- Yoga - last day, Halloween Oct 31, 2002
- Johnnie Walkers Journey of Taste Oct 30, 2002
- Town Hall Oct 29, 2002
- The Morning After Oct 27, 2002
- W.O.W. Haunted Night Race Oct 26, 2002
- Tres Kumpadres Oct 26, 2002
- Critical Mass Ride Oct 25, 2002
- Conversation with a yogi Oct 23, 2002
- Eleanor Roosevelt Oct 22, 2002
- Getting the cat Oct 21, 2002
- Posse on wheels Oct 20, 2002
- Omage - Om Photo! Exhibit Oct 19, 2002
- Stylish Olga, Grumpy TTC Driver, Reassuring Dentist Oct 14, 2002
- Gymnastics, The Night Ride Oct 13, 2002
- Training Wheels, Social Etiquette Oct 12, 2002
- IV Lounge, Astral Dynamics Oct 9, 2002
- Pancake Breakfast, Dr. Eric Sade, Congee Dinner Oct 7, 2002
- Hammertime Oct 6, 2002
- Synaptic Labyrinth Oct 5, 2002
- Manitou Fork, Giant Bike Oct 4, 2002
- French Class Oct 2, 2002
- Giant Bike Oct 1, 2002
- NitePro Helmet Light Sep 30, 2002
- The 2002 Squeezer Experience Sep 29, 2002
- Mountain Biking Revisited Sep 29, 2002
- Asian Legend, Fingerprint Sep 27, 2002
- Workout Sep 26, 2002
- Trifina Sep 25, 2002
- Walk Home with Kids, Monica Sep 24, 2002
- Second Cup Sep 23, 2002
- Paul's Dirty Enduro by Mark Ciana Sep 22, 2002
- City By the Sea Sep 22, 2002
- Workout with Angie Sep 20, 2002
- Workout, Trifina, Moments and Human Connection Sep 18, 2002
- Resumption of Yoga, Massage with Kate Wolf Sep 17, 2002
- Level 2 French Sep 16, 2002
- Durham Durango MTB Race Sep 15, 2002
- Angelas and Philips Birthday Sep 14, 2002
- Lunch for Doug and Karen Sep 13, 2002
- First Day of school, Errands, Coffee with Judy, Broken Fork Sep 11, 2002
- Dazed, The Walk Home, Road to Perdition Sep 10, 2002
- Ontario Provincial Mountain Biking Championships Sep 7, 2002
- Wine Labels, Food Fest in Church, Sonny Bargers new book Sep 1, 2002
- Dougs Lunch Treat Aug 29, 2002
- AIM Play Day, Ross, Pizzabilities Aug 28, 2002
- Bike Shop Round, Epicurian Small Talk Aug 26, 2002
- A Failed Out-of-Body-Experience (OBE) Aug 25, 2002
- The Talk Aug 20, 2002
- Ross and partners, Brian Lee Aug 19, 2002
- 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Hardwood Hills Aug 17, 2002
- Karens Lunch Treat Aug 15, 2002
- Blackened Steak with Angela, Liat and Junya Aug 11, 2002
- Retirement and 65th Birthday, Philippine Celebration, Tambay with Danny Aug 10, 2002
- 24 Hours of Adrenalin Aug 7, 2002
- First Day of Work, French Language course Aug 6, 2002
- Canada, Home Sweet Home Aug 5
JUL
- Goodbye to the Yoga Class, Miho Jul 4, 2002
JUN
- Reunion at Jays Jun 30, 2002
- Proper Nutrition Jun 25, 2002
- OM Summer Solstice Festival Jun 19, 2002
- Another Corporate Day Jun 17, 2002
- 24 Hours of Adrenaline - Kelso Conservation Area Jun 15, 2002
- Lets put on a show Jun 14, 2002
- Touching Base Jun 8, 2002
- Rock Climbing 2 Jun 6, 2002
- Ride for Heart Jun 2, 2002
MAY
- Chico Racing's Epic 8 Hour May 26, 2002
- Frisbee 2 / Playdium May 23, 2002
- Gears Racing 24 hours of Summer Solstice May 13, 2002
- with Kiran Sohal May 10, 2002
- Riding at the Rouge May 9, 2002
- My 1st Moutain Bike Experience by Don Snell May 6, 2002
- Northern Gnarly Charly May 5, 2002
- ABS Showdown May 2, 2002
APR
- Who Needs a Million Dollars? Apr 26, 2002
- Yoga Apr 25, 2002
- The Internet Bubble Apr 23, 2002
- Online Trading Apr 22, 2002
- The Don Revisited / Ultimate Frisbee Apr 21, 2002
- Go Karting Apr 15, 2002
- The Ride Back Home Apr 14, 2002
- My Love Affair With The Lamborghini Apr 12, 2002
- Orlana D'Souza: My Good Samaritan Apr 11, 2002
- Corporate Party Apr 10, 2002
- Fitness Junkies Apr 9, 2002
- Abs / Wine Bottle / Carrie Apr 8, 2002
- Pizza Parteeee Apr 6, 2002
- Age Paradigm Apr 5, 2002
- Rock Climbing Apr 1, 2002
MAR
- BikeNXS' IceBreaker 2002 March 30, 2002
- The 16th Toronto International Bicycle Show 2002 March 1-3, 2002
- Comments by Brian Lopes on MBA Mag Interview March 1, 2002
2001
OCT
- John Stamstad: Ultra Marathon Mountain Biker October 1, 2001
- Hardwood Hills with Viv Oct 27, 2001
SEP
- My Introduction to Yoga Sep 30, 2001
- September 2001 Edition September 2001
AUG
- Jim Vandekas Rides Greece August 2, 2001
- August 2001 Edition August 2001
JUL
- July 2001 Edition July 2001
JUN
- June 2001 Edition June 2001
MAY
- May 2001 Anniversary Edition May 1, 2001
2000
OCT
- Feeling the Blues Oct 2, 2000
1996
DEC
- My MTB Baptism Of Ice December 30, 1996