Cognac, that may be because America is always in the news, and us Canadians especially are very well informed about events south of the border. I venture to guess probably better informed than many Americans. I expect much the same can be said of Europeans.

Add to this the fact that we can be more objective as outsiders, and are likely more judgemental given our constitutional foundations rest of "peace, order and good government" vs "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", and you have a recipe for the kind of swarming you mention.

Just don't take it personally...it is all issue driven smile

Oh and those who can, yes you citizens of the great state of Massachusetts, please vote Elizabeth Warren into the senate in 2012.

If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop