Revolution (Resolution) - Mid Year Check In - Part 1

It's official...we're now more than half way into 2015.   It's time for me to check in (and own up) to how I'm doing on my resolutions so far.

Use my writing to help inspire more memories with Molly and Jack including monthly one on one "dates" with the minions
In late spring I had a great date day with Jack where he tried sushi for the very first time, we went to Woodbine Fantasy Fun Fair to check out the rides and we visited a friend's newborn baby (Jack is pretty crazy about babies).  Chris has taken each minion on a baseball game date, individually, where they both had a blast. I haven't managed another date with the kids in quite some time, but I am planning something with Molly later this month.  I have been able to use my writing to bond with the kids a lot this year, but with the weather being great, I must admit I've been spending more of my downtime enjoying the backyard or local parks with the kids instead of writing, and I'm enjoying every minute of it!

 Jackie Reaching for the stars.

Read More in 2015 (Goal of 30 books total), including at least 5 Classics that I've never read Before.

I've read 5 books since my last check in, including one classic.  Again, if anyone has any book recommendations I would love to hear them!

The Poisoners Handbook by Deborah Blum - A thrilling historical read about the first forensic scientists and their quest for truth among the world of arsenic, prohibition related poisonings because of home brewing and many brands of  suspicious deaths all set in New York City nearly a century ago. Probably the best read of the spring.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson - After I finished reading Wild, an acquaintance recommended I read a lighter take on a life changing journey into the deep dark woods. This book is about that friend you've been buddies with for as long as you can remember.  The one who is a giant f@&k up, but somehow charming enough that you can't help but forgive them, again and again.  Imagine being in your forties, twenty years after a disastrous backpacking trip to Europe and going with them on a hike of the Appalachian Trail. It's immediately apparent that documenting the antics makes for a far better story than living the actual experiences.  Bryson's long time frenemie Katz had me laughing out loud.  Bryson's dry wit and ability to make fun of himself was key to making this book work (one of his main reasons to tackle the trail was to "be manly" and "less of a cupcake").  I have added the book about the above-mentioned, ill advised trip to Europe, Neither Here Nor There to my reading list.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - Violet and Finch are the main characters in this charming, yet sad young adult novel.  This book breaks some wonderful boundaries and stereotypes about what it's like to live and love someone through sadness, depression, grief and fear.  A good tween introduction to tragic and relatable heroes.

I Regret Nothing by Jen Lancaster - Another entertaining series of essays by Lancaster narrating her journey to self-improvement, this time tackling her bucket list.  A good light read, but not her best work.  If you've never read her work before I recommend starting from the beginning with Bitter is the New Black before you read her later non-fiction.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey - A literary classic exploring an insiders view into psychosis.  I must admit that I kept wanting to love this book more then I did.  I think that this book, like my experience with Catcher in the Rye was read at the wrong time in my life and I didn't get as much out of it as I could have had I read it in my teens or twenties.

Get better at Promoting my Writing and get Published in Seven New Places This Year.
I had a second publication lead that never formulated in the spring and have had another one in the works over the past few weeks that I hope will materialize into something great.  Fingers crossed.  Beyond that I need to focus more effort and time promoting myself and my writing .  If anyone knows any websites, blogs or magazines where my writing would be a good fit, please let me know.


To view my full list of 2015 resolutions click here.  To see how I did earlier this year click here and here.

To see how I did with my 2014 resolutions (and more mini book reviews) click here.

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Cruel Summer - 10 Free Splash Pad and Wading Pool Options in the GTA

There have been a number of heat warnings issued in the city of Toronto over the past few weeks and the toasty weather is going to stick around for at least a few more days. While we can retreat into the air conditioning to keep us cool in the evenings or night, summer is still summer and we want to make sure that we enjoy the great outdoors while the sun is still shining.  There is plenty of time in the winter to hibernate.

Why not slather on some sun screen and take the family to a splash pad or wading pool!  Below are 10 great free parks that feature splash pads and wading pools, organized by area.  The links will take you to more detailed reviews of each.  Splash pads in Toronto are open from 9AM-8:30PM daily until September 20th.

Jack enjoying the splash pad at Marie Curtis Playground.

Uptown

Yonge and Davisville - Neshama Playground - Innovative park and splash pad that is completely accessible.

Yonge and Eglinton - Sherwood Park - Great park with small splash pad.

Downtown Toronto

Bathurst Street South - Little Norway Playground - cool lion slide and splash pad (aka "hot mom park")

Dupont and Bathurst - Vermont Square Playground - playground features a splash pad and a sandbox with a tap to make mud pies.

Etobicoke/Mississauga

South West Toronto/ Mississauga Border - Marie Curtis Park  - Extensive Splash Pad with Muskoka Chairs for caregivers to watch and giant sun umbrellas for some shady coverage.

Central/West Toronto

Dufferin and Bloor - Dufferin Grove - Well shaded park that includes a splash pad.

Junction - Vine Avenue Playground - Basic but functional wading pool to cool off, although often busy.

Junction Triangle - Perth Square Park - Hidden Gem, with a splash pad. 

West of the City 

Mississauga/Oakville border splash pad that includes rainbows and giant sun umbrellas visit Lakefront Promenade Playground. 

Brampton - For a splash pad, trains and so much more visit Chinguacousy Park.

Stay Cool...

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True Love

There is a lot of debate among nerdist parents (Chris and I both fully embrace our inner and outer nerdiness) surrounding what the ideal age is to expose your children to specific meaningful pop culture experiences.  For example, what is the best age to introduce your children to Star Wars so they'll love it as much as you do?

A couple of weeks ago, while at a merchandise booth at the Canada Day Tragically Hip Concert, a gentleman complimented my friend's The Princess Bride shirt which prompted a very important question between my friend and I: What is the ideal age to have the minions participate in their premiere viewing of The Princess Bride (a movie that is ridiculously important to Chris and I)? Our debate was interrupted by the man at the booth, who responded without knowing the minions age with an adamant "immediately and often".

The next week we decided to take the advice of a stranger and introduce Molly and Jack to a story that involves, "Fencing.  Fighting. Torture. Poison. True Love. Hate.  Revenge.  Giants.  Hunters.  Bad men.  Good men.  Beautifulest Ladies..Pain.  Death.  Brave men.  Cowardly men.  Chases.  Escapes.  Lies.  Truths.  Passion.  Miracles."  Sound Okay?

Three years and eleven months was apparently the PERFECT time to debut this movie to the minions.  Molly was immediately enthralled with Princess Buttercup and has been strongly considering going as her for Halloween (likely a fairly obscure costume for a pre-schooler).  Jack giggles maniacally at many scenes of the movie, especially the dream sequence where Buttercup is booed for having true love in her hands and letting it go.

When we pulled out our copy of the movie we discovered a drinking game that we had created many years ago to play while watching the movie.  This drinking game probably isn't the best activity for family movie night, but I thought I'd share it anyway.

The Princess Bride Drinking Game  
(Play at your own risk - AKA I am not responsible for any binge drinking inspired by this game)

1. Every time Westley says "As you wish" take one drink.
2. Any time the Dread Pirate Roberts is mentioned give one drink to someone else.
3. Whenever Inigo says, "Hello.  My name is Inigo Montoya. you killed my father.  Prepare to die." take one drink.
4. Whenever Vizzini says "Inconceivable." take one drink.
5. Whenever there is a narrative involving the grandfather and his grandson (AKA Columbo and Kevin Arnold) take one drink.
6. Every time Buttercup believes someone's lies (shockingly often) you give one drink to someone else.
7. Whenever anyone implies that Inigo Montoya was a drunk, has been drinking or is drunk, everyone drinks....twice.
8. Any mention of the six fingered man....take one drink.
9. When Fezzik makes a rhyme...take one drink.

This past weekend we watched Back to the Future with the kids for the first time (can you believe that it's the 30 year anniversary?) and I couldn't help but wonder, how many times does someone say "Great Scott!" or how often does Marty look at the fading photograph of his siblings in the movie?  I guess old habits die hard as I was tempted to pen a new drinking game at 11AM on a Saturday.  At least it isn't based on a "kissing" book.  

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A Marshmallow World

There is nothing quite like a meal made on a camp fire.  It takes a little bit longer to cook, but that smoked taste is always well worth the wait.  The more time I spend camping with little ones, the more creative I've tried to become with camp cooking...with a particular focus on dessert.  Here are two recipes that are easy to make camping (even easier if you complete some preparatory work ahead of time) that have been enjoyed by many, big and small.

Jackie and I camping Summer 2013.

Campfire S'more Cones with "the works"
Ingredients & Supplies needed:
Aluminium foil
Sugar or waffle cones (note: the bigger the cone the more items you can melt inside)
Miniature marshmallows
Milk chocolate chips
Fresh Fruit (we used sliced bananas and strawberries)

Step 1: fill the cone with all of your tasty fillings
Step 2: wrap cone in tin foil and heat over camp fire
Step 3: unwrap, let cool for a minute and enjoy the gooey goodness

It should be noted that while we were camping recently a feisty teenage raccoon (our niece named him Turkey) broke into our kitchen tent and ran away with a half full bag of mini marshmallows.  Thankfully everyone had just enjoyed their cone desserts so the kids were more amused then upset.  The legend of Turkey will live on in many of our campfire stories (and the merit of lessons about putting away your food before you visit the tap for dish water).

Grilled Pineapple
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prepare it before you go camping and bring it with you.  It will taste even better if you let it marinate over night.

Ingredients
Aluminium Foil
1 large pineapple (cut into rings or spears whatever you prefer)
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/3 cup brown sugar)

Step 1: Prepare and marinate your pineapple (for a minimum of an hour)
Step 2: Wrap in Foil
Step 3: Cook over fire until toasty brown and enjoy the golden sweetness of this treat

I have a love/hate relationship with pineapple.  I love to eat it, however every once in a while I have an allergic reaction (which consists of lip swelling, ear itching and me consuming copious amounts of Benadryl).  I had some allergy tests run a few years ago and it turns out I'm allergic to something they spray pineapple with, not pineapple itself.  There is no way for me to guess what chemicals are sprayed on which specific pineapples.  I give in and indulge in this treat every once in a while because it tastes so good.  I have been lucky and never had a reaction when I've prepared grilled pineapple while camping.

What are your favourite BBQ or camping dessert recipes?

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The Whole World is Our Playground - Chinguacousy Park

I came across this list of free/cheap things to do with children a few months ago and couldn't wait to explore some of the destinations mentioned.  A 40 degree day (with Humidex) seemed like the perfect time to visit this Brampton area park, playground and splash pad.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

Park Name:

Chinguacousy Park - 9050 Bramalea Road, Brampton Ontario 

Parking:

This park boasts over 500 free parking spots available for patrons.  This area isn't close to rapid transit or a GO train station, so you're probably better off driving there. 

Theme of Park:

Rightfully boasted as Brampton's Destination Park.

Ground Coverage:

A mixture of pavement, grass, AstroTurf and rubber.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

There is some great equipment here for everyone.  The jungle gym features traditional climbers and swings, plus there are a number of spinners and climbing structures.  Tweens and teens can hang out at the Mini Putt ($3.90 a game) or at the BMX, skateboarding park.  Winter activities include a ski hill.

Best Parts of the Park:
Free activities include usage of the huge splash pad facility and the regular jungle gym equipment.  Patrons who want to pay a little can enjoy riding the Chinguacousy Express Train or Carousel for $3 a ride (or $15 for a six pack of rides).  The splash pad is one of the biggest I've ever seen with fountains and spouts divided into different sections of the park so younger kids and older kids can play without getting overwhelmed or bored.  We literally had to drag Jack away from the splash pad kicking and screaming (although I'd probably personally consider that a downfall).  Molly was a big fan of the "silly" piggies she saw when she walked over with Chris to check out the petting zoo.  There are some concessions where you can get drinks, ball park type snacks and ice cream.

Downfalls:We visited this park on a hot July day (there was a heat advisory).  There are a few good shady spots to enjoy some reprieve from the sun, but they go quickly.  Be sure to bring a lot of sun screen and water to keep you hydrated. 

Overall Rating:
I would rate this park a 4.5 out of 5.  It only loses points because a number of the great options offered are "pay to play" activities. That being said, none of the prices seemed unreasonable.  We ran out of time at this park and will be coming back later this summer to explore the green houses, paddle boats, mini putt and petting zoo.

To view my post about the Lakeview Promenade Park in Mississauga click here

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Rude Boy

For the most part the minions are good, polite little pre-schoolers. Most bad habits are picked up from other kids at daycare or mom and dad. Jack says, "Oh my god" in a mocking valley girl voice that was inspired by my reaction to a driver who kept cutting me off.  Thankfully he only repeats it to make fun of me. 

Recently our darling boy picked up something that didn't come from mom or dad. One evening a week or two ago Chris was asking Jack to come downstairs for dinner and he wasn't listening. When Chris came upstairs to remind him that it was dinner time, Jack got angry and screamed "Go away idiot boy!"  Chris was simultaneously livid and concerned. Was Jack saying this to other kids at daycare?  Jack refused to answer where he had learned this.   Had someone else called him idiot boy?  In the days that followed, whenever Jack was angry at Chris he'd angrily call him “idiot boy” and then be sent for a time out (or to jail as Jack likes to call it). One night during bath Jack turned to me with a smile and asked "What's idiot boy doing right now?" It was clear that Jack loved the rise he was getting out of Chris and time outs weren't curing him of this new catch phrase. When I reminded him that he wasn't allowed to call dad (or anyone) Idiot boy he just laughed maniacally to himself.

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

On Saturday afternoon while Jack was in ANOTHER time out for calling dad Idiot Boy, I was talking to Molly and asked her if she knew where he learned it. "SpongeBob SquarePants" she said simply. I Googled it and immediately found my answer. “Idiot boy” is what Mr. Crab calls our square yellow friend whenever he gets angry at him. Once Jack was "out of jail", I sat him down and talked to him about SpongeBob and explained to him that if he keeps repeating bad things he learns on a particular show that he won't be allowed to watch it anymore. I am happy to say that it seems that idiot boy has been retired (although much of my family is calling Chris "IB" when Jack isn't within earshot). 

This exercised has reminded me that we need to test and adjust consequences dependent on the offence and the child. I think we may also be retiring timeouts for Jack for a little while since it seems that a world without SpongeBob is apparently far worse than time in the big house.

Rain, Rain, Go Away - A survival guide to tent camping in the rain

I can't say we've always had the best luck weather wise when we've been camping, but it has been particularly abysmal the past few times we've gone since the minions were born: Like the time we were forced to sleep in our compact car which I wrote about here or a couple of weeks ago when we were facing a torrential rain fall while we were camping with the cousins.  Despite some of our soggy luck recently we are both still big fans of the great outdoors.  I've compiled some tips to make life a little easier and a lot more comfortable when you're outdoors and you know the storm clouds are coming.  I hope it helps!

Molly and Jack at the edge of a hiking trail in the rain!

7 Tips Essential Tips for Camping in the Rain

1. Take inventory of your equipment and manage your supplies before you go.  How many tarps do you have?  When was the last time you used a water sealant spray on your tent fly?  Does anything need to be replaced?  Don't forget extra batteries!
2. Be the man with the plan. Come with a variety of activities and lighting (hence the need for batteries) that makes it easy to enjoy your time inside a tent. This can include items like colouring books, stories, board games, crafts, a deck of cards, cross-word puzzles and a small supply of food that doesn't require a fire to cook. Our favourite no cook camping meal is a ploughman's lunch with crackers, cheeses, cured meats, pickles, olives, and sliced veggies - this also makes for a great picnic meal for a day at the beach if the rain decides to stay away.
3. Plan how you set up camp wisely. Don't put your tent up at the bottom of a hill, begging water to run into it. Set up on high ground and use your best judgement in terms of tree and shade (or rain) coverage.
4. Know what's available in the towns around your camp site. Sometimes a break from the rain such as catching a movie, going to a local bowling alley, indoor mini golf or great restaurant is enough to put everyone in a better mood.
5. Research the amenities at the parks you visit.  Camp facilities might have a laundromat on site or nearby that can help you dry out sopping wet sleeping bags.  Other parks offer indoor movies or indoor nature seminars that will give you a break from the rain.
6. A light rain never hurt anyone. If it's threatening to rain it's probably a good time to go for a hike. Trails aren't muddy yet and you can still enjoy what nature has to offer.
7. Know when to call it a day!  The last time we went camping there were severe weather alerts, warnings and over 40mm of rain expected over a 15 hour period.  Also despite our best efforts to rain proof our aging tent it was leaking, a lot.  Since the main thing Molly wanted to do was go swimming, we opted to pack up a day early and all enjoyed an indoor pool and camping food in front of Netflix instead.  No one regretted the decision!

To read tips on surviving camping with toddlers click here.

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Strawberry Fields

In our continued efforts to enjoy everything summer we went out strawberry picking with the minions and their cousins this past weekend.   While Molly and Jack had fun and enjoy eating the berries they probably won't be offered summer jobs at Lindley's Farm any time soon. Chris and I did the majority of the heavy lifting in terms of picking while Molly and Jack have enjoyed fresh berries and a recipe for real fruit based version of strawberry ice cream that a friend found me on Pinterest last week.

Molly chasing her cousin around the strawberry fields.

Jack and Dad starting to pick.

While strawberry picking is just about over in Ontario, there are still plenty of fresh strawberry options at farmers markets and grocery stores around the region.  If you are anxious to enjoy some summer picking the whole family can enjoy nectarines, peaches, raspberries and blueberries are all still in season.  I found the following listing at Toronto.com that offers suggestions of farmers markets and places to pick fruit for anyone who's interested here.  For a listing of what is fresh in fruits and vegetables in Ontario by month you can visit Harvest Ontario.

Back to the home made ice cream: I doubled the recipe that my friend gave me .  This recipe was fun to make with the kids and saved my bacon this past weekend while recovering from dental surgery and being forced into a  mandatory soft food diet.  To view the recipe  click here.  I won't lie...Molly and Jack added chocolate chips to their strawberry banana treats!

4 Banana pre-freezer

The Berries

The finished product.

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Inside Out - A Movie Review

For the second time in a row Chris and I went to a movie without the kids and we really enjoyed ourselves.  I must admit that we've never ventured out to the theatres with Jack, it's probably time soon, all the same for our date night this past week we went to see Inside Out followed by drinks and discussion at a nearby pub.

Movie Review Inside Out

Inside Out Poster courtesy of Wikipedia.

What's in it for the Kids?
Animated movie that highlights the emotional struggles of eleven year old Riley as she tries to adjust to her new life when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco.  What Riley is dealing with is something that many kids will be able to relate to.  Little kids will love some of the emotion based characters that live inside Riley's head.

What's in it for the Adults?
The sheer concept of how the emotions work in the control centre (AKA Riley's brain) is amazing to watch, as is the ingenious yet balanced way that the writers/creators have paired research on brain development, core memories and emotional development with the appropriate leaps to create a great imagination based framework for the story.  As an adult raising children, I found parts of this movie incredibly sad.  That being said, one of the main lessons of this movie (SPOILER ALERT) is that it's normal to be sad sometimes.

Best Parts of the Movie
Amy Poehler embodies Joy as does her yang, Phyllis Smith as Sadness with a genuine voice that rings true when many other voice actors would just put on an "Eeyore" voice, Smith brings something much deeper to this performance.  Richard Kind was a surprise gem as Bing Bong, Riley's former imaginary friend.

Worst Parts of the Movie
I'd argue that the weak link in this movie may be Bill Hader as Fear, however I can't think of anyone better for the role.  I don't think that he was bad, he was just out shined by the performances of the rest of the cast.  Mindy Kaling was made to play Disgust in the exact same way that Lewis Black just "is" Anger.

Overall Rating
I would rate this movie 5/5. This movie is going to win several awards this year - I will be recommending this movie to a lot of people this summer. I would let Molly and Jack see this movie now, but would be prepared for a little bit of anxiety on their end around the nightmare section of the movie. People of all ages can enjoy this movie, just at different levels. This is something that will be going on the Christmas list (or my birthday list) for regular rotation in our family friendly movies.

To read my review of Jurassic World click here.

To read my review of the 2015 Cinderella click here.


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Oh Canada!

Last year for Canada's 147 Birthday I had a great time compiling a list of 47 reasons why I am proud to be Canadian.  It's time to celebrate again as Canada turns 148 years young with my list of 48 reasons why I am proud to be Canadian.

1. Canada is the world's most educated country...over half the country's residents have post-secondary degrees or diplomas.
2. Like boating, swimming or fishing?  Canada has three million lakes (more than the rest of the world's lakes combined).
3. Canada has the world's longest coastline, bordered by three different oceans (Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific).
4. Fancy yourself a tree hugger? Canada has 10 percent of the world's total forest coverage, 31 percent of Canada is made up of forests.
5. Neil Young
6. Quebec City is the only walled city in all of North America.
7. The highest tides in the world happen in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick
8. The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest highway in the world spanning over 7604 kilometres (4725 miles).
9. Nanaimo Bars
10. Apparently Canadians can deduct dog food and tax software from their income taxes (please call Canada Revenue Agency to confirm before you blame me for any audits!)
11. Baseball may be considered the official American sport, but the baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883.
12. Also invented the Jolly Jumper.
13. Sarah Polley...From Road to Avonlea to award winning director, she's awesome.
    
    
    
    Chris got to meet his crush (Sarah Polley) at an REM concert while we were all sitting on the lawn at Molson Ampitheatre (a truly Canadian experience). 
14. We like big stuff: The world's largest Totem Pole was raised in Victoria BC in 1994 and stands 54.94 metres tall (180.2 feet).
15. We like to read, eh?  Our literacy rate is over 99%.
16. We invented Trivial Pursuit.
17. Anyone who spends a lot of time with me knows that from time to time I like to talk about how amazing Beavers are.  You'll often hear me talk about their awesome double eyelids (called a nictitating mebrane) that allow them to see underwater.  Canada’s beaver is also the second largest rodent in the world, weighing up to 60 pounds.
18. You know that big department store at the end of the Eaton Centre, called the Bay after The Hudson’s Bay Company which is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world.
19. David Suzuki - Nature Expert (okay he may have been a really random childhood crush of mine).
20. We give areas cool names.  The Northwest Territories is sometimes referred to as "The Land of the Midnight Sun" because the sun barely sets around the summer solstice.   Newfoundland is sometimes called "The Rock."
21. Competing with Loch Ness, Canada has its own lake creature, Ogopogo, who lives in Lake Okanagan, BC.
22. 2.4 million Caribou (Reindeer) live in Canada, that's almost as many people who live in the City of Toronto.
23. It's not just Tim Hortons, Canada has more donut shops per capita than anywhere else in the world.
24. Canadians are sometimes called "Canucks".  The first time this term was officially recorded was in 1835.
25. Sharon, Lois and Bram were an awesome group of Children Television Entertainers who sang alongside a giant Elephant (sadly Lois passed away earlier this year).
26. We invented the prosthetic hand in 1971.
27. We are a nation of other cultures...One in five Canadians were born outside of Canada.
28. Porky's, starring Sex in the City's own Kim Cattrall was the most successful Canadian film ever made.
    
    
    Me and Kim Cattrall.
    
    
29. Chris Hadfield...Guitar playing astronaut...AMAZING!
30. Rumour has it the $100 bills are minted to smell like Maple Syrup (I know you're going to try to smell one now!).
31. The Kids in the Hall.
32. While last week was a huge step in the US, Canada was the fourth country in the world to legalize same sex marriage nationally, ten years ago in July 2005. (I know I mentioned this last year, but it's worth mentioning twice).
33. Inventors of five pin bowling.
34. I don't know if this is a good thing...But Canada has a polar bear prison for bears that break into people's homes to steal food.
35. In 2012 Canada produced a quarter with a glow in the dark dinosaur on it.
36. Canadian's are polite.  We even have an apology act. (it was put into practice in 2009).
37. Buzzfeed tells me that the University of Victoria offers a class called "Science of Batman".  Don't believe me, click here for a link to the course description.
38. We produce hot "Ryans" - Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds are both Canadian.
39. Our writers, like Margaret Atwood are also activists.
40. Drake - Even though I'm not a huge fan, he's a wonderful advocate and truly patriotic Canadian and promotes the City ofToronto frequently.
41. Eugene Levy - I highly encourage anyone to revisit the American Pie series or check out his new (Canadian) show Schitt's Creek.
42. Tommy Chong (of Cheech and Chong) is Canadian and was born in Edmonton.
43. We invented Insulin as a diabetes treatment.
44. Think Superman is an American Hero?  Think again, he was first drawn by Canadian born artist Joe Schuster in 1922.
45. We invented the Goalie Mask used in hockey (circa 1959).
46. Inventors of the Wonderbra (Louise Poirier).
47. The Bloody Caesar was invented in Calgary in 1969.
48. Mr. Dressup.

To view my list from last year click here