>>>>>>>>Terry, why don't we simply let these people believe that they are best. We, who know better, can just laugh at them and with them. For some reason ignorant people often seem happier.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Hi Tore
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Well, their country MAY be best but they have nothing to judge it by. I won't actually say I know better - I may be better off in the USA than here, I don't know. I certainly would have a higher standard of living, possessions-wise, but quality of life???? I live on the S coast, where I have to search around for a job. I could walk into one, maybe, in London. But I couldn't bear to live and work there, or commute to there. So lower std. of living here but higher quality of life. Now, in Canada, or the States, I would miss being able to walk to any of 20 of my favourite pubs (not mentioning the rest that I don't care about, or have never visited!). I would miss the ease of catching a bus, to be out on the Sussex Downs within minutes of leaving home, the better TV, etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>It's all to do with what is important to you. Where I live I wouldn't say it's the best place in Britain to live - but I don't know of anywhere better. It is so with the Americans. Difference is I don't brag about where I live or how much money I have, etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I agree. I know, and the UN knows, that Norway is the best place in the world to live, but I'm happy with not everyone accepting that. :-)
>>>>>
>>>>>If you can put up with being practically in the Arctic Circle and living off salted dried fish. :-)
>>>>>
>>>>>PS, my maternal grandmother's parents were from Shetland (Mathieson) and my grandma always had dried or smoked haddock and roll mop herrings (in vinegar and onion)
>>>>
>>>>MMMmmmmmmm.... roll mops!
>>>
>>>Doncha just love em!
>>>
>>>BTW I didn't notice fish figuring large in an Ontarian's diet.
>>
>>True, and I admit to not being a big fish eater. Halibut and chips, lox, maybe a baked salmon now and then, and that's about it. Except for pickled herring which I grew up eating. There is also a wonderful herring thing that is tidbits in wine marinade. It's basically pickeled herring tidbits and it is to die for. I eat 'em as they come. No sour cream or other adulterating add-ons.
>
>Not being close to the sea - no tradition of sea fish eating. The lake's too poluted for fresh fish. I can see how Canada in general would be big on salmon and, with your heritage, you like roll mops.
>
>BTW, we say "tit-bits". I like to keep abreast of others' pronunciation/versions.

We used to say that, but then the censors got hold of it. ;)