winni-pride

The Toronto Star reported today that one of my most admired farces, The Office, is Manitoba bound. Next Thursday, Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, will haul his entire team across the boarder for an all-expenses-paid staff convention in Winnipeg. (Clarion, anybody?)

It's about time.

A surprising fact; it's been argued that Winnipeg is actually the feature film production capitol of Canada. Once we realised that slurpees are actually four billion calories each, we decided to set our sights on something a little less fattening, but equally as toxic. The city that used to be the slurpee capitol has since moved on to a more lucrative designation. Hollywood...ish. However, there has been no glory to this gambit yet. This is because viewers don't actually recognize that the setting is, in fact, not Chicago, nor Boston, or even New York City (yes, we've posed as the big apple) – but rather Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Where's the pride in that?

I'm sure any kid who grew up in Winnipeg remembers that Simpson's episode where Homer and the kids are driving on the highway next to another family car. Suddenly, through the open window, we hear the father in the other car stomp on the breaks and shout "THAAAATS IT! BACK TO WINNIPEG!" before turning the car around and speeding away.

The thrill of hearing my city's name uttered on international television sent shivers from my little ratty pony-tale, down my underdeveloped spine, all the way to the tips of my bad-ass Velcro runners with lights on the heels. Ah, so we're not a lost civilization after all!

Sometimes, a Jeopardy contestant will stare blankly at Mr. Trebek before buzzing in with "uh, what is Sah-skah-shoo-wahn?" whilst I stand red-faced and yelling, "WINNIPEG! WINNIPEG!"

Christ. Everyone knows that the Cree term for muddy waters was the primary factor in the naming of the settlement of Winnipeg. Right?

Wrong. And it's really too bad. There's a lot more to my great city than an Old Navy and the "Bar I" patio.

The fact that Winnipeg will be visibly acknowledged on one of my favourite shows reaffirms my pride as a Peg city lass. Sure, they'll likely mock all parts of the city that I hold near and dear to my heart -- The Forks, Assiniboine Park, the corner of Portage and Main, Tijuana Yacht Club -- but a little self-deprication is always good for the soul.

So, if you were raised on Fred Penner, have ever eaten at Ami's, puked at the Pyramid, or bought pot at Sir John Franklin community centre, I encourage you to tune in on the 13th along with me.

I have a couch and cable, so all "Friendly" Mantiobans are welcome.
Except Russ. You're from Carmen. That doesn't count.