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I've moved the first P&P thread to the archive since it was at about 100 posts.

So do you all have election fever? Less reading or more during #elxn41?

I'm still on The Imperialist, which is largely a political novel so I'm getting it double-barrel: in real life and in my reading world.

Yeah...once a year for us. And that's bad enough!

I guess no one wants to heat up the board with partisan chat. That's fine by me (also fine if you do want to break out the politics), but it's awfully quiet around here....

School has been eating my soul. As a Minnesotan, I was raised to avoid politics, a fact I find even more necessary after returning from the west coast. Whole different world.

Who are we feeling for the playoffs? Chicago has been surprisingly lackluster to me, I thought maybe they'd get it together better.

Kirsten wrote: "School has been eating my soul. As a Minnesotan, I was raised to avoid politics, a fact I find even more necessary after returning from the west coast. Whole different world.

Who are we feeling ..."

I've actually been pretty busy volunteering for one of my local candidates (but won't get into a political discussion here unless someone else starts one).

Playoffs: I'm going for Vancouver. They are superb, especially with the Sedins and Burrows (i.e. the honourary Sedin) healthy and Luongo hot (not to mention a great backup in Cory Schneider). I think it's their year this year.

That's cool. I don't mind political talk, I just shy away from it here because my views sometimes clash with others.

Ah Vancouver. I kind of loathe them, but they have been good.

Kirsten wrote: "That's cool. I don't mind political talk, I just shy away from it here because my views sometimes clash with others.

Ah Vancouver. I kind of loathe them, but they have been good."

I'm open to political discussions happening here, but since I'm the mod, I don't want to alienate anyone or imply that members have to agree with my views. I have to tread lightly.

I think we're all adult enough to treat hockey rivalries without the same delicacy, however. So if Chicago is going to lose (maybe within 4 heh heh heh), who else are you planning to cheer for, Kirsten?

I have to admit, politics in Canada is something I don't have a super firm grasp on. I understand U.S. politics very well, but I only have heard bits and pieces about Canada, mostly because my friends seem to have decided I'd be terribly bored. I understand the position you're in, though. Perhaps you could suggest something for me to read?

Oh I'm all about the NHL playoff poo flinging, delicacy and hockey don't go together. If the Blackhawks (I adore Toews) lose, then I'm all about the Habs, which I gather you do not support.

Kirsten wrote: "I have to admit, politics in Canada is something I don't have a super firm grasp on. I understand U.S. politics very well, but I only have heard bits and pieces about Canada, mostly because my fri..."

Politics
Book recommendations, eh? These two books give some insight into our current political situation, though Conservative partisans would likely cry bias:

Harperland: The Politics of Control
The Armageddon Factor: The Rise of Christian Nationalism in Canada

Canadian politics is very complex and bound to historical antecedent. It's kind of difficult to explain what's going on now without reference back to how we got here. I'm planning to add some history to the Challenge, so hopefully you'll be able to join in when those books come up.

Hockey
I like Toews too (I've been keen on him since the Juniors), but I wasn't happy when the Hawks beat the Canucks last year (and the year before). As for the Canadiens, well, as a Leafs fan, I kind of have to hurt when they win, but I do like them too. If that makes any sense? Kind of like "frenemies" I guess? On the other hand, though I may be an Ottawa native, I couldn't be more gleeful that the Sens tanked.

Excellent, I'll look into those. As someone who studies science, I'm pretty liberal leaning, so I don't mind. I'm always curious to learn more about my northern neighbors since they always know a fair bit about Americans.

Hockey: Me too, then he broke my heart and played for the UND Sioux. Stupid UND.

I think the Habs are gloriously fun to see in person, I love Montreal, everyone has been very welcoming and fun there. Probably because I speak French fluently. Haha, I think the Sens are kind of dumb, no offense. I don't really know a whole lot of people that like them. I have a soft spot for the Oilers, though.

I picked up Harperland, I'm all set to embark on my quest of knowledge. Time for me to finally understand what all the bickering is always about.

Kirsten wrote: "I picked up Harperland, I'm all set to embark on my quest of knowledge. Time for me to finally understand what all the bickering is always about."

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts as an outsider who's coming into it without any preconceptions.

Not for lack of trying! People keep trying to tell me all kinds of things about Harper...it almost feels like a movie spoiler.

So how bout them Blackhawks? It's like Toews WILLED Vancouver to look stupid.

Kirsten wrote: "So how bout them Blackhawks? It's like Toews WILLED Vancouver to ..."

Wah. I had to turn it off (twice). I'm sure the Canucks will finish Chicago off today. To lose 3 games in a row? Not a chance.

I don't know about that, they way they played last game...Hopefully they start Luongo. Seabs will be back tonight too, though I might recommend he stay home on his couch and rest instead.

Kirsten wrote: "I don't know about that, they way they played last game...Hopefully they start Luongo. Seabs will be back tonight too, though I might recommend he stay home on his couch and rest instead."

For all that strenuous golf he'll be playing next week, eh?

Zing!

His rebuttal? THREE IN A ROW!!! Luongo must HATE his life right now.

No no no. This can't possibly happen again. The Canucks are too good to lose the series.

Whew.

I figured you'd be pleased. What is your main team allegiance if you don't mind my asking?

On the bright side, all the teams I liked being out of the playoffs means I'll actually study for finals and concentrate my job search efforts.

Kirsten wrote: "I figured you'd be pleased. What is your main team allegiance if you don't mind my asking?

On the bright side, all the teams I liked being out of the playoffs means I'll actually study for finals..."

I'm a Leafs fan. What can a person do? (I keep telling myself the eventual victory will be all the sweeter.) My western conference/2nd fave team is Vancouver, so that gives me some relief.

Ah, I figured as much, since I remember you said you lived out east. Most of the people in Eastern Canada I know are Leafs fans unless they are French Canadian.

I have a special loathing in my heart for the Canucks. IF the NHL rearranges things, I'd love to have them in a different division.

This round of the playoffs isn't nearly as good as the last round...

So, what do you think, Kirsten? Vancouver-Boston final?

I hope not. Two teams I can't stand. It's kind of a battle between Thomas and Roloson (who I like) in the East, and in the west...the Sharks are up to their old choking tricks it would seem.

Anyone have plans for the long weekend?

I admit it. I sold my soul and am happy Boston won.

Kirsten wrote: "I admit it. I sold my soul and am happy Boston won."

I'm disappointed but didn't set any police cars on fire.

That's good! I couldn't believe it when my friend texted me a picture. He lives in downtown Vancouver, said it was really dangerous. I guess the police were really aided by the fact that so many people took pictures, then felt badly and turned in said pictures.

I'm looking forward to next season. We're all in first place on day 1.

Happy Canada Day everyone!

Seems like it's been awhile since I dropped by. How's life treating everyone? I'll soon be visiting again, headed to the Peg for some fishing etc.

Ah, just when I've decided to self-exile myself from the web for 24 hrs so I can get some work done tomorrow...

Well, I hope someone else will come by and keep you company.

I'm trying to think of a new name for a GR shelf I have. Right now it's called "fluff" and is basically for everything that I'm reading that isn't a classic or a book from the canon or for some type of obligation or necessity. I don't want to call it "for pleasure" because I also read classics for pleasure. I don't want to call it "non-canonical" or something like that--I want to define it in a positive rather than a negative fashion. I don't like the word "fluff" because the books aren't necessarily what one might consider light reading. Can anyone help me with a suggestion or two?

Ibis3, as a fan of Lewis Caroll, how about Curiouser and Curiouser?

Lola wrote: "Ibis3, as a fan of Lewis Caroll, how about Curiouser and Curiouser?"

It doesn't quite fit my intentions, but thanks for the suggestion.