Oh Canada!

Today, July 1st is Canada Day. In fact, its the 143rd anniversary of Canada's enactment of our constitution. We generally refer to today as Canada's birthday and celebrate by drinking beer at outdoor parties while wearing red.

I believe that we can make the world just a little bit nicer if everyone acted Canadian, just for the day. (Note: Yes, I know I am not one that generally embraces 'nice' each and every day, but on Canada Day, I fully support it.).

Here are some Canuck-like ideas for you to try out today:

1) Use the characteristic 'EH?' at the end of all sentences implying group consensus (group hugging is an excellent addition, but entirely optional. Especially in New York where this might lead to arrest).

2) Apologize to people that bump into you, especially if its their fault. (This will also keep you quite busy in NYC).

3) Start a rousing game of Canadian Celebrities. You can test this: All Canadians know each and every famous person that is Canadian or otherwise has had any tenuous attachment to Canada. This is sometimes played as the ever-entertaining Dead celebrity quiz game "Are they dead, Or just Canadian?". Bonus round if the answer is "Both".

4) Remind anyone who asks, what it truly means to be Canadian! For the uninitiated, this usually involves a lot of comparisons of what we are NOT, particularly as it applies to Americans. This also invariably leads to a discussion as to why Canadian flags are always required on our backpacks and luggage while traveling abroad. This is another subject we never, ever tire of discussing and defending (and accusing Americans of 'borrowing' our flag for their packs when traveling in Europe).

5) Drink a canadian brew with other friendly Canucks (and friends, we're a very welcoming bunch), preferably while wearing a maple leaf tattoo. Once appropriately happy, off key singing of O Canada is of course welcome (but not before, Canadians are much too apologetically embarrassed for any kind of sober singing).

Happy Birthday Canada!