Canadian Expatriates, its contributors, and readers have been invited by Foreign Affairs Canada to participate in a series of eDiscussions. The current topic is “Showcasing Canadian Culture and Know-How Abroad”.

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What role does Canadian culture and know-how play in our foreign policy?

How might the government best promote Canadian talent and expertise in the world?

The eDiscussion runs from April 4 to May 6, 2005. At its conclusion, a summary of the discussion will be sent to senior policy planners.

The Expat admin team encourages its readers to join in the eDiscussion at the Canadian International Policy website.

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The upcoming nuptials of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles is raising questions as to the future of the monarchy and calls for the Prince to abdicate his position as next in line to the throne. The event is also producing ridiculous amounts of memorabilia to mark the occasion.

Britain's ASDA, a subsidiary of Walmart, has reproduced the royal engagement ring, an heirloom art deco ring once belonging to the Queen's mother. The replica features a man-made emerald-cut diamond, shanked on either side by three baguette-cut diamonds set in a sterling silver band. All of this could be yours for £19 or, if you are thrifty, you could find the ring at a starting price of $9.99 on eBay.

EBay sellers have definitely jumped onto the royal wedding bandwagon as they peddle their wares on the internet auction site. Also featured are bone china mugs, keyrings, magnets (being sold by the man who brought us the mysterious medical devices box), postcards, silver plated spoons, stamps, thimbles, even what may (or may not) be the Prince's love letters. My personal favourite auctions would be for highly overpriced commemorative clipart "prints" out of Texas.

Ah yes, while the public may not support the pending nuptials, they certainly do intend to profit off of the event.