Popular Culture

14 July 2003


America Needs a Vacation
A sad episode of Buchanan and Press on MSNBC the other day pointed out that 51 % of Americans will not be taking a vacation (going on holiday) this year. A depressing graphic was broadcast showing that Yanks take off 13 days a year, Canadians are next at 26 (still double the American rate), and the fun loving Italians enjoy 44 days off. The debate that ensued was tongue-in-cheek to a degree, with the right-wing Joe Scarborough complaining that Americans were taking too much time off. It used to be that work was the curse of the drinking classes, but American's don't drink as much as they used to either. For more, click here.

France and America -- Remembering the Revolutions
July sees the anniversaries of two 18th century revolution, the French and Americans. These two peoples have had a love-hate relationship from the beginning, and currently, there appears to be more hate than love between them. While much of this is due to the loggerheads at which the two countries' presidents stand, there is a cultural dimension that merits discussion. Click here to read on.

Jennings Takes Oath of Citizenship
For many years, the viewers of ABC news have heard the soft Canadian accent of Peter Jennings deliver the good and the bad tidings of the day. As a journalist, Mr. Jennings has little competition, but it has always bothered a few that the maple leaf of the Great White North adorned his passport and not the eagle of the US. Last week, he announced that he had taken the oath of citizenship at the end of May and put the complaint to rest. Click here to read more.