Deb Fuller wrote:

>Didn't Canada also provide the first robot arm used in Columbia, the first
>space shuttle?


We sure did!  As far as I know, the appropriately-named "CanadArms" (or
subsequent versions of them) are still being used on the space shuttles.


This shows that not all Americans are as un-informed about Canada as many
Canadians believe, although I do believe Canadians are generally better informed
about Americans than vice-versa (the result of all-pervasive American media).
Of course Canadians are different from Americans, but I don't think we have to
be defensive about it.  If it wasn't for this difference, and the Canadian
perception that Americans don't recognize the difference, Canadian humour
wouldn't be nearly as entertaining as it is (I'm thinking of the Canadian news
satire "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", and to a lesser extent "The Royal Canadian
Air Farce").  If any of my fellow Canucks experience frustration over American
attitudes towards us, I suggest watching one of these shows, and laughing the
frustration away.  Then remember that, as neighbours go, the Americans are that
bad...we have a much better relationship with them than many countries around
the world do with their neighbours.

And, Mr. Handy, I for one thought your "just another state in the Union" remark
was quite humourous!


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim McShane
Curatorial Assistant, Parks Canada
(also, Co-Chair of the Museum Division, Arrow 2000 Project)
Calgary, Alberta