Perhaps we should not assume that GUEST,Rick Mercer is the real Rick Mercer. This sounds more like an ill considered publicity stunt, perhaps by someone at Slater Street Films in Halifax to get the show ratings up.

When Rick was interviewed on CBC Radio yesterday, he had a lot more grace. This show is a collection of pieces where Rick asks Americans questions about Canada, usually made-up nonsensical questions. He admitted that Americans had little reason to learn about Canada. We Canadians have lots of reasons that I won't spell out to learn about the country on our borders with ten times our population, with economic and military clout, with a president who steals elections and who at times appears to be short a few IQ points.

Mercer didn't call Americans stupid on the radio. Instead he indicated that the joke revolved around American's urge to help when they knew nothing about Canada. He indicated that he had to exclude Americans who knew about Canada. His skill in manipulating people with his fast talking Newfie banter was part of the game. He also chuckled at how Canadians know too much about the U.S. That too may be funny.

The 9:00, 9:30 thing - Newfoundland has a half-assed time zone that is ½ hour out of whack with the rest of humanity.