Happy Canada Day

Canada celebrated its 141st birthday today.

Newspapers had headlines such as "141. Not too shabby, eh?" and editors encouraged readers to contribute stories about their "Canadianism," whatever that means. A poll was issued saying 57% of Canadians surveyed gave a 10 out of 10 for how proud they are of Canada. The result was delivered in a story that said Canadians are "maple syrupy sweet on their country." A special section about "Chic Canadiana" - identified as "iconic Canadian style" - included suggestions for a $610 Canada goose expedition parka (despite the fact that it was the kind of sunny day that left most white people looking painfully pink).

On Canada Day, many Canadians engaged in the American tradition of having a BBQ or eating pizza in fast food restaurants. A newspaper article entitled "Teach your kids to really love this country" quoted an American expert. An online quiz called "What's the score, eh?" asked readers to "test your knowledge of Canadian and American history on Canada Day."

Not knowing what exactly it means to be Canadian, some columnists took the opportunity to point out that Margaret Atwood is Canadian and how Canadians should be proud to be so humble and polite.

A new Molson Canadian commercial played on television and included these lines about how do you know you're Canadian:
- you believe everything can be fixed with hockey tape
- you bailed on a booty call during post-season
- you feel bad reclining your seat on a plane.