AfterElton - 02/Jul/2009

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Ten things we love about Canada!
Posted by snicks  on July 2, 2009

Yesterday was Canada Day, and we feel terrible that we didn't acknowledge our neighbors to the north. After all, Canada is far ahead of the U.S. when it comes to things like marriage-equality, realistic teen shows, and actors willing to do the full monty on camera (it's true, look it up!)

A list of Canadian things we love would be endless, so we put together this partial sampling. Journey below and take off, to the Great White North. Take off ... it's a beauty way to go!

Luke MacFarlane

*Sigh* It certainly is a beauty way to go. Canada gave us out actor Luke, so that automatically earns them my undying love.

SCTV

I can't be the only one who far preferred this Canadian sketch comedy series to Saturday Night Live. Such classic characters and scenes; Edith Prickley, Lola Heatherton, Count Floyd, Bob & Doug McKenzie, Alex Tree-Beck, Chariots of Eggs, The Days Of The Week, Slinky: The Toy From Hell. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

Degrassi

Since its earliest incarnation back in the 80's, Degrassi has always seemed so much more, well ... grown-up than American shows about teens, especially concerning sexuality.

Celine!

Mock her if you must, but one of the biggest regrets of my life is that I never got the chance to experience "Cirque De Celine" in Las Vegas.

Ryan Reynolds

Just because.

80's pop hunks

Whether it was Corey Hart, Bryan Adams, Loverboy, or the guys from Glass Tiger and Honeymoon Suite, there was no shortage of northern hunks to choose from in the 80's. And I have to give props to the legendary Rush, which was one of the first rock concerts I ever attended.

kd lang

One of the most daring and creative performers of her generation. Constant Craving is one of the essential recordings of the 90's.

rocking ladies

Of course, kd lang isn't the only Canadian woman who's had an impact on music and pop culture. The list is long and varied, from the earthy Sarah McLachlan to the jagged Alanis Morissette and R&B Queen Deborah Cox. One of my personal favorites is the criminally underrated Lisa Dalbello, and of course we can't forget the country-pop of Shania Twain and the gay indie rock sisters Tegan and Sara.

Rufus Wainwright

Though born in the U.S.A., Rufus grew up in Canada, and retains dual citizenship. The out singer/songwriter definitely has that unique introspection that only Canadian artists have.

Mounties!

They always get their man.