Things I don't normally see at 7:45 am

A clutch of Playboy bunnies standing at the corner of King and York with a guy holding two Playboy flags.

Very odd.

Question for Americans

Recently in an email on a professional listserv, I used the phrase "the States" while talking about the perceived differences between American and Canadian MLIS programs. An American responded to me, (gently) mocking my use of "the States." So my question for Americans is this: Do you not use "the States" to refer to your country? If not, how do you refer to it? Was this guy just a freak, or have I stumbled upon another cultural difference? (Okay, fine, questions)

[Bonus question for Canadians: Am I alone here, or do other Canadians also usually use "the States" when referring to our Southern neighbours?]

Update: General consensus? Random other librarian is a freak. I feel much better now.