General Catch-All Thread

[Overground]

Just got back from U2 3D show at the IMAX. Wow!! Amazing concert to see without actually being at the concert. Marvel in technology!

[Filip]

The Australian government issued a travel warning against Canada.

The reasons were terrorism, cold weather and dangerous winter driving conditions

Apparently, China is safer than Canada
I always thought the Aussies were the biggest wankers on Earth.. This just proves it.

[Taller, Better]

Originally Posted by Filip

The Australian government issued a travel warning against Canada.

The reasons were terrorism, cold weather and dangerous winter driving conditions

Apparently, China is safer than Canada
I always thought the Aussies were the biggest wankers on Earth.. This just proves it.

from CTV website (link):
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...tories&s_name=

Australia issues travel warning against Canada

Updated Fri. Jan. 25 2008 9:23 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

A website run by the Australian government lists Canada as a country where travellers need to be cautious about terrorism, dangerous winter driving and cold weather conditions.

The 'Smart Traveller' website, run by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, lists Chile, South Korea and Latvia as countries safer than Canada.

Overall, Canada is listed in the second safest category (out of five categories) on the website -- the 'Exercise caution' section. Out of the G8 nations, the U.S., U.K, France, Germany and Italy also are listed in the 'Exercise caution' category.

"We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Canada because of the risk of terrorist attack," says the travel advisory.

"Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks."

The website says "heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter" can also make driving dangerous.

"The wind-chill factor can also create dangerously cold outdoor conditions," says the warning.

B.C. and Alberta are both listed as being subject to avalanches. B.C. is also listed as "an active earthquake zone."

Meanwhile, travellers heading to Canada between May and September are also told to look out for tornadoes in some areas.

The website further warns about bush and forest fires which "can occur any time in Canada."

The advisory says crime in Canada is comparable to that in Australia, with petty crime such as pick pocketing and street theft occurring at tourist destinations and hotels.

Japan has the safest ranking of the G8 nations, falling into the first category, 'Be alert to own security.' Russia is listed as the most dangerous of the G8 countries, ranking in the third category -- 'High degree of caution.'

On the website for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, there is no official warning for Australia. However, travellers are advised to watch out for pickpockets and to avoid demonstrations because they could "turn violent."

There are also warnings for backpackers about attacks and travellers are advised not to accept food and drinks from strangers at bars.

[Filip]

I know eh.. Go figure.

What a self-absorbed country, it's absolutely nauseating.

[Taller, Better]

Overground, IMAX is amazing.. I always check first to see what is there. I particularly love the 3D!

[MPJK]

Originally Posted by Filip

I know eh.. Go figure.

What a self-absorbed country, it's absolutely nauseating.

Oh yeah, how self-absorbed it is to encourage one's citizens to be "well-informed, responsible 'smart' travellers". I'm happy my country has such a website.

Now straight from the website itself:

Firstly , our travel advisories are just that: advice.

They are not just about terrorism. In addition to information about security, they provide useful, practical tips on travelling such as on health, visa and local law and customs information.

Secondly , travel advisories are about one thing only: helping Australians to make informed decisions about travel

* They are not about banning travel
* They are not about undermining the interests of the travel industry.
* They are not influenced by commercial or political considerations.

Thirdly , contrary to what you may have heard in some media reporting, in the issuing of travel advice there is no "singling out" of countries.

DFAT maintains a travel advice,not travel warning on most countries that are popular destinations for Australians in all regions of the world.

For example, if you log on to the Department's smartraveller site you will see that there are advisories for more than 140 destinations. And, at present there are only six countries for which the Department is advising against all travel.

There are also travel advisories for a number of countries where the security risk is low but where there is a high volume of travel by Australians, such as New Zealand.

We are conscious that it is important to keep our travel advice in perspective. And, we are progressively trying to make our language even clearer - particularly at the lower end of the scale, and including by reference to the sort of risks that Australians might face here.

Fourthly , travel advisories are kept under constant review but as a matter of course every travel advice is reissued and reassessed every quarter. Obviously, if developments in a country require more regular updates we will respond through the travel advice. The travel industry needs to be clear about the regular review process.

So you should kind of rethink your "Aussies are the biggest wankers on earth" statement when you're the one appearing like the bigger wanker by making such a statement. It's not like Canada was purposely singled out here; just the website trying to provide some useful advice with regards to travelling to parts of the world to Australians hoping to travel overseas. The website is quite useful in that regard and like I said, I'm happy we have it!

[vid]

Watch out for forest fires! They break out in Toronto constantly! It's a real pain in the ass!!

[Filip]

I'm sorry, but putting 'terrorism' as a reason to be careful in Canada is pretty pathetic. I guess you got us confused with your butt buddies down south.

Forest fires? Yes, because in Toronto or Montreal our buildings tend to combust relatively instantly, and in Vancouver - everyone knows the most flammable material on Earth is green glass condos.

This reads like a joke warning from The Daily Show... "Be careful! It's cold in Canada!"

[mr.x]

i never knew the Aussies were retards like our neighbours to the south.....

[MPJK]

Well, how about instead of making simple-minded statements like "the entire country, all 21 million of them, are wankers", let's analyse some of the statements about Canada:

Safety and Security
Terrorism

We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Canada because of the risk of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

This travel advice should be read in conjunction with our travel bulletin on enhanced airport security.

Crime

The crime rate in Canada is similar to that in Australia. Crime is more likely in large cities.

Petty crime such as pick pocketing and street theft occurs at tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport.

Local Travel

Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous. The wind-chill factor can also create dangerously cold outdoor conditions. Transport Canada provides detailed information on road conditions across Canada. You can also get tips for winter driving from the Canadian Automobile Association.

Environment Canada provides detailed information on weather conditions across Canada.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The province of British Columbia in western Canada is in an active earthquake zone.

Alberta and British Columbia are also subject to avalanches. Information on avalanches is available from the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Tornadoes can occur in some areas of Canada between May and September. For more information on tornadoes see Environment Canada's website and the National Hurricane Centre. In the event of a Tornado you should monitor local and international weather on local television and radio.

Bush and forest fires can occur any time in Canada. You should consult local news reports and authorities before visiting forested areas and follow the advice of local authorities.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Canada, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of health facilities in Canada is comparable with that in Australia.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

As you can see, the information is quite broad. I just nitpicked various pieces from that website. It's amazing how you all get so offended by this though - I seriously doubt many Aussies would cry about how Canada was "such a wanker retarded nation" if the same piece of info came out from Canada. I hope not all Canadians are like the ones in this thread anyway.

[MPJK]

Originally Posted by mr.x

i never knew the Aussies were retards like our neighbours to the south.....

Oh I'm sure your neighbours get lambasted for always stereotyping the world, yet you're pretty much doing the exact same thing here. I think it's pretty ironic that you're calling an entire country "retards" though. Maybe what's more ironic is that you're a moderator but anyway..

[Taller, Better]

Good grief, I cannot believe with my own eyes what this is turning into... it is nothing but a bit of a joke people... don't get all bent out of shape about it. No need to crap on either country because of this Foreign Affairs advisory. Please, no more insulting and let's act like adults.

[vid]

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Lighten up, girls.

[Steeltown]

Haha that's something even Britney Spears could understand, she might even learn a few lessons.

[Habfanman]

Originally Posted by MPJK

Oh I'm sure your neighbours get lambasted for always stereotyping the world, yet you're pretty much doing the exact same thing here. I think it's pretty ironic that you're calling an entire country "retards" though. Maybe what's more ironic is that you're a moderator but anyway..

Geez, what an embarrassment! I hope you don't show these posts to too many people in OZ MPJK, I'd hate for Aussies to think that Canada is full of smug, insecure twats who never make it out of the city.

This is only a travel advisory, similar those which our foreign affairs deptartment issues. Most Aussies who travel to Canada don't come here for our cities but for the mountains and countryside. Anyone living in Sydney or Melbourne or Perth is unlikely to be overly impressed with most of our urban centres. We do have a lot of forest fires (in the forests idiots!) we do have severe weather (particularly so for people who may have never experienced winter) and we do have wildlife that is unfamiliar to others, just as there are conditions in Oz which are unfamiliar to Canadians.

The terrorist warning is a bit silly, and I'm sure that my Aussie friends would get a good chuckle over it, but when you consider that most flights from Oz to Canada stop-over in Hawaii or L.A. it is somewhat pertinent. As unlikely as a terrorist attack is we are a part of the Western world and we are not immune. The relatives of the victims of Air India flight 182 can attest to that.

Grow up people and stop making us look like a bunch of yahoos!

[LanceDriver]

What a laugh those baby lesson toons are! On the travel warnings - better safe than sorry you scary weird canadians!

[Shumway]

Vid! That was hilarious.. couldn't keep my cereal down thanks for those pics

[SEQ92]

Originally Posted by Filip

I always thought the Aussies were the biggest wankers on Earth.. This just proves it.

FYI the views of the Australian Government are not the views of the Australian people. DUH.

Originally Posted by Filip

I know eh.. Go figure.

What a self-absorbed country, it's absolutely nauseating.

We could say the same about you.

Originally Posted by mr.x

i never knew the Aussies were retards like our neighbours to the south.....

Yup back at ya mate. We don't give a shit what our government things I am sure any normal Australian citizen doesn't Canada is worse than Latvia.

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by MPJK

Oh I'm sure your neighbours get lambasted for always stereotyping the world, yet you're pretty much doing the exact same thing here. I think it's pretty ironic that you're calling an entire country "retards" though. Maybe what's more ironic is that you're a moderator but anyway..

No, i never call an entire country...just your government. In fact, I can proudly say that the Canadian government is also run by a bunch of shitheads as well - including our Prime Minister (or rather, especially).

Don't forget the American government! (especially the administration!)

[broadie]

the Canadians on this forum are a bunch of little girls.
seriously if there was a terrorism warning for Canadians traveling to Australia no one give a shit. yous don't live in some happy lala land where nothing ever goes wrong

wankers.