The Five Fairly Good Habits of Mostly Effective Canadians

A summer time post as weighty as an August evening breeze . . .

My American friends sometimes ask me about being Canadian. The basic thrust: Are Canadians just Americans from another country? Heck no! There are differences. The differences are often subtle, but they are there nonetheless. So, for the edification of many Americans and for the benefit of several Canadians, here are the

Five Fairly Good Habits of Mostly Effective Canadians

1. Always make sure that you're the first to say "sorry" if something bad happens. It doesn't matter if you did anything wrong. The first one to apologize wins!

2. Always know the location of the nearest Tim Horton's. Being up on the whereabouts of the next-closest two or three is a bonus. Listing four or more is just showing off.

3. At every opportunity lecture Americans on the benefits of Universal Health Care. Emphasize that wait times continue to improve.

4. Talk about getting back to nature. If you are one of those types who actually get back to nature, all the better. Bonus points for portages and eating what you caught. Remember to keep your stories short and sweet. Nobody likes a bragger.

5. At every opportunity list all of the Canadians who have made it big in Hollywood. This is especially fun if Americans are present. Watch their looks of horror as you tell them that William Shatner is from Montreal. Captain Kirk!!??!! This can be especially entertaining when in a long Tim Horton's drive-thru line. And do remember to apologize for the wait.

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