We all know someone who has an unfortunate name- you know, the kind which makes newly-introduced friends do a mental double-take, or raises eyebrows of people nearby when mentioned.
About the most unfortunate name going is owned by a gentleman who works for the International Olympics Committee. Maybe you've heard of him. His name is Richard Pound, but he prefers to be called Dick.
Even my name is unfortunate- being a Justin subjects you endless ridicule when you show up in the nick of time for a meeting.
It isn't just people who get such ill-fated names, and there are a handful of towns in Canada which suffer the same problem. If you're ever in the mood to go on a random and fun road trip, they might just be worth checking out.
Nova Scotia is a good place to start. One of its villages is called Shag Harbor, and it's known for a highly publicized UFO sighting back in the late sixties- often equated to be the Canadian version of Roswell. Shag Harbor has lovin' in its name- though it's home to a relatively stable population of about 500.
If you're an outdoorsy type, the next town's for you. Incredible rock formations, tall trees and gorgeous wildlife are available for photographs, and there are camping and day-tripping facilities too.
Sound lovely?
Sure- for a place called Meat Cove! Sounds more like the latest fat-guy burger at the corner drive-thru.
Once you're finished checking out the sights there, why not take a spin to the little town of Goobies and visit their Trailside Lodge for a meal and beverage? Careful on the drive though- as the local roadways are frequented more often by moose than by traffic of the motorized variety. Don't worry about the one standing at the town's main intersection- as it's only a statue. His name is Morris, and with a quick glance at the next town's name, you might think you've found his birthplace.
But Moose Factory Ontario does not in fact have a large factory where Moose are manufactured. It is home to unique Northern scenery, a provincial park and the Polar Bear Express. The latter is a unique train tour through the Boreal Forest.
If you're ever fortunate enough to find the time to take our suggested weird-town roadtrip, you'll have to stop in Dildo, Newfoundland. Apparently, people drive there just for the photo-op with the town sign, which itself has been stolen countless times.
Staying in Dildo is sure to be a satisfying experience. The town offers gorgeous scenery, several bed-and-breakfasts, the Dildo Museum, and a historic summertime festival called Dildo Days. One can imagine the meetings at town hall being fairly interesting too.
It's not just Canada that gets all the fun. Sure, Sissiboo Falls, Pugwash, Bigwood and Hairy Hill are all interesting- though if you look out of the country you'll find many more.
For instance, in Great Britain, you may wish to check out Bitchfield, Boysack or Cock Alley. Or maybe not.
About the most unfortunate name going is owned by a gentleman who works for the International Olympics Committee. Maybe you've heard of him. His name is Richard Pound, but he prefers to be called Dick.
Even my name is unfortunate- being a Justin subjects you endless ridicule when you show up in the nick of time for a meeting.
It isn't just people who get such ill-fated names, and there are a handful of towns in Canada which suffer the same problem. If you're ever in the mood to go on a random and fun road trip, they might just be worth checking out.
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Nova Scotia is a good place to start. One of its villages is called Shag Harbor, and it's known for a highly publicized UFO sighting back in the late sixties- often equated to be the Canadian version of Roswell. Shag Harbor has lovin' in its name- though it's home to a relatively stable population of about 500.
If you're an outdoorsy type, the next town's for you. Incredible rock formations, tall trees and gorgeous wildlife are available for photographs, and there are camping and day-tripping facilities too.
Sound lovely?
Sure- for a place called Meat Cove! Sounds more like the latest fat-guy burger at the corner drive-thru.
Once you're finished checking out the sights there, why not take a spin to the little town of Goobies and visit their Trailside Lodge for a meal and beverage? Careful on the drive though- as the local roadways are frequented more often by moose than by traffic of the motorized variety. Don't worry about the one standing at the town's main intersection- as it's only a statue. His name is Morris, and with a quick glance at the next town's name, you might think you've found his birthplace.
But Moose Factory Ontario does not in fact have a large factory where Moose are manufactured. It is home to unique Northern scenery, a provincial park and the Polar Bear Express. The latter is a unique train tour through the Boreal Forest.
If you're ever fortunate enough to find the time to take our suggested weird-town roadtrip, you'll have to stop in Dildo, Newfoundland. Apparently, people drive there just for the photo-op with the town sign, which itself has been stolen countless times.
Staying in Dildo is sure to be a satisfying experience. The town offers gorgeous scenery, several bed-and-breakfasts, the Dildo Museum, and a historic summertime festival called Dildo Days. One can imagine the meetings at town hall being fairly interesting too.
It's not just Canada that gets all the fun. Sure, Sissiboo Falls, Pugwash, Bigwood and Hairy Hill are all interesting- though if you look out of the country you'll find many more.
For instance, in Great Britain, you may wish to check out Bitchfield, Boysack or Cock Alley. Or maybe not.