Monday, November 2, 2009

British Invasion

Evidently the royal family making a trip to Canada counts as a really big news story. I hope that they enjoy their visit to Canada and remember to cough into their sleeves. Perhaps it is because of my Scottish ancestry that I was pre-programmed with skepticism of the British Crown; and Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of Edward the Longshanks really clinched it. "The trouble with Scotland is that it's full of Scots!" Then I researched the sons of Edward and their 100 years war, and any affinity that I may have felt for the Monarchy was vanquished. Though let me say, I give the British lots of credit for the 20th century, the World Wars in particular. Winston Churchill remains my favourite politician that ever lived.

I remember during the last World Cup of soccer, I decided to annoy my British co-worker (who enjoyed alleging that I sleep with sheep) by rooting for France. I repeatedly spoke to him in French throughout the tournament. By the end of the tournament, a group of 15 workers at our site were sitting around during a coffee break when the Englishman said:

"Portugal cost England the World Cup"

I responded with;

"Genetics cost England the World Cup"

There was an awkward pause of about 10 seconds, and then the entire job site erupted in laughter. There was a lot of entertainment value in the Brit/Scot rivalry. I still say that my Prime Minister is my head of state.

2 comments:

  1. The Queen is desended from James VI of Scotland, therefor she has just as much right to rule Scotland as she does England

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  2. True, the PM should be our "head of state", moreso than the figurehead which is the Queen. I liked the late Patrick McGoohan much better as Secret Agent (CBC's Danger Man) or as The Prisoner during the brief series shot in the uniquely picturesque Port Merion, Wales. I still find the Royals to have considerable entertainment value, but I no longer view anything practical in a hierarchal relationship, except for the respect and thanksgiving coincident with a fine heritage.

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