There are several interpretations.

The OP either (a) didn't notice that the source was The Onion or (b) didn't know what The Onion is -- and in either case he now feels like a right stooge.

Or (c), the OP knew what The Onion is and thought he could slip a fast one past us; nice try, fella.

Or maybe (d), to cut Steve M some slack (deserved or not) -- he knew what The Onion is and expected that, of course, we would all know what The Onion is too. But in that case a smiley or a winkie might have been appropriate, eh?

cheers,

Henry