The cynic in me says it's to avoid printing real news.

Next up: Canadians are 42 percent more likely than Europeans to have diabetes, 32 percent more likely to have high bloodpressure according to a survey done by Dalhousie University....

Americans like to eat more and move less. That's how it goes.

Judging from the fat people I see every day, it seems to be a class thing -- if you're upper-middle class or trying to be, you stay trim; if you're not, you don't. (Such a role reversal from history...)

But Europe is evil...and socialist...and old. I still love Rummy the Conqueror's "Old Europe". I think a line of "I ♥ Old Europe" t-shirts is sure to be a hit.

Ben! Aren't you in Russia yet? Are you going to send dispatched about the post-Soviet fast food scene?

If you run or swim three times a week, that could be why you're statistically superior. Americans are lazy, and don't typically exercise. Well, the people I work with do, but that's because it's part of our job.

But Europe is evil...and socialist...and old.

Europe is doomed and sinking in a black hole. I know, because the last time I had an e-mail from Europe was...

I can never understand why some people think Europe = France + Germany when most of Europe is marginally less obnoxious than those two examples.

/the-WOGS-start-at-Callais

"Calais"

I'll be in Russia on the day after the day after tomorrow. Much Mickey-D's then.

As an American Canadianophile (Hah! anybody ever said that before?) I can observe that Canadians have their priorities straight and know how to live. Americans should wise up and look north for healthy living tips: MORE BEER AND CHEESE! Oh, and more exercise maybe, too. Like dog sledding or curling or something.

Heh heh heh, this American got hisself a pair of COOL NEW jams, wild print with HULA GIRLS at the Lake Woebegone surf shop, and went kayaking and swimming (shivering and shaking really uses up a lot of calories). I am not one of the 42 percent, and have pics to show it.

gr has jams! Let summer begin!

And while you're talking to Americans, you might want to mention the fact that no one needs to work 40 hours a week and weekends, too.

cm, without your support I could never have dreamed of finding a perfectly garish, loud, and exuberant pair of baggy swimwear. Next on the list: footwear to match.

As for work, the average American complains about all the work they do, but my guess is most of them are slacking off on company time, drinking coffee, reading blogs and trading jokes. (disclaimer: I am lucky: my lifes work looks like a vacation)
Ahem, speaking of which, time for a snack.

In the old days preconfederation there was much made of the "robust northerners" and about how the crisp fresh air of the North made the Canadiens healthy and vigorous, more hardy and bold. Scientists and doctors said it so it must have been true. Perhaps it is still true. Perhaps we are a special breed: our constitutions are special due to years of wind-burned cheeks and frost-bitten noses. Perhaps fat cells do not expand as fast when the temperature is below zero? It should be looked into.

our constitutions are special due to years of wind-burned cheeks and frost-bitten noses.

And immigrants. Don't forget immigrants...

Immigrants... I'm not racist, but that's one thing I noticed during my short forays into Canada. Perhaps Canada is to Asians as the US is to Mexicans.

I would think that a big difference is the British Commonwealth connection that provided and I think still provides folks of the empire - like my family - access to Canada in a way that the rules around the US "green card" do not.