"Greatest Canadian" Satire Popular Counterpoint To CBC Series

Although the website is only days old, it is already gaining momentum, says Ted Knudtson, the brains behind the project. "People are really responding to the idea. What started off as a word-of-mouth thing has really caught on. Canadians like to have a forum to express their displeasure with their celebrities." Of course, the media attention hasn't hurt. Since being introduced, the site has been profiled in newspapers and discussed on radio programs, turning it into a favorite water-cooler topic. "The Most Embarrassing Canadian seems to have struck a chord with Canadians. There is something comfortingly Canadian about poking fun at public figures." While not all readers may appreciate the humour, Knudtson predicts his site will be less controversial than the CBC series. "Unlike the Greatest Canadian, all genders and races are eligible to win", says the freelance writer, referring to complaints about the CBC series' lack of women or people of colour in the top-ten. "People are nominating Canadians of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. No one is safe!" Although the voting has just begun, Knudtson does see some trends in early returns. "Politicians seem to be a popular target. Federal or provincial, current or former, politicians really seem to embarrass us. With a provincial election looming in Alberta, that trend can only continue." The Most Embarrassing Canadian is located at: http://www.airenet.com/TheLazyK/TMECIntro.htm