The 100th Grey Cup

The results are in from the CFL's East and West Divisional Championships... The Toronto Argonaut's will take on the Calgary Stampeders in the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto. 

The Boatmen defeated the Montreal Alouettes 27-20 in a tight game that came down to the final play of the game.  WR Brian Bratton of the Als will be losing sleep for a couple weeks after missing what seemed to be a sure-catch in the endzone  which would have sent the game into overtime.  Ricky Ray played phenomenal, going 28 of 37 for 399 yards and is looking poised to win his second Grey Cup.  Toronto's decision to bring him in is surely paying off. 

In the West, Kevin Glenn led the Stamps over the B.C. Lions in a 34-29 decision. Out of the four quarterbacks that played Sunday, he's the only one without a Grey Cup.  Could this be the year for Glenn?  (Bombers note: Should have been in 2008 when he got injured and Ryan Dinwiddie went in his place...)
Glenn was solid all afternoon, getting himself out of trouble by quickly scrambling and then finding a receiver.  No more so than a play in the 3rd quarter when Glenn dished the ball to RB Jon Cornish on 2nd and 10, extending the drive which would eventually lead to a crucial score.  Stampeders coach John Hufnagel and offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson were creative all night with gutsy play calls including going for it on 3rd and 1 - play-action with your 3rd stringer, no less - and bombing it out for a major.  Plays like that win football games and it's why B.C. isn't returning to the promise land.

With the Bombers out, I'm not really cheering for any team in particular.  I'd like to see Glenn win a Grey Cup and I hate the Leafs so that's good enough logic to cheer for the Stamps.  Although, it would be cool to see the Argonaut's win it at home.  Either way, I'll be watching on Sunday and so should you.  It's a Canadian staple and it's brings us together to share some drinks with friends and family.  Now what's wrong with that?

Remembrance Day Ethics

News broke today in Edmonton that some students had permission to opt out of Remembrance Day ceremonies at their parent's request.  Alberta Premier Alison Redford  is disappointed by the decision.  I hope she retracts her statement because, as Edmonton school board spokeswoman Jane Sterling notes, the decision complies with Alberta law.  The Remembrance Day Act states that "all pupils shall either attend the ceremony or remain in the school, silent, during the ceremony."

It's not like this is the decision of the school.  These are parents removing their children from the ceremonies, for whatever reason that may be.  The students must remain in the school and still must observe the moment of silence.  Or, as Sterling says, some parents do it for very personal reasons.

"We had a mom last year ask that her son not be part of it because his dad had just been killed in Afghanistan," Sterling said. "She really felt strongly that when they do observe Remembrance Day that he is with his family."

What's truly disappointing is Redford's comments on the matter when clearly she should have investigated the matter a little more before making a statement.  I agree with Redford that it's our duty as Canadians to honour and respect veterans who have made the sacrifice for this country, but opting out of the ceremony does not necessarily represent disrespect.  The mother who pulled her son out so he could observe Remembrance Day with family is a good example.  The other few parents who pull their kids out of ceremonies are doing so for personal reasons and have every right to do so under current Alberta law.

The veterans we honour are the ones who fought for this country and the ones who gave us the freedom we enjoy.  They fought for the freedom to express your own values without punishment from the state or abuse from others.  As Alberta premier, Alison Redford should apologize for her comments.

Wild Mother Nature

Hurricane or "superstorm" Sandy hit the Eastern U.S. while a massive earthquake rocked the West coast earlier this week and it made me realize how lucky we are here in Manitoba.  Sure, we may have to deal with frigid temperatures, the occasional tornado or flooding but compared to other cities, we have a relatively low risk of extreme weather that can destroy the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people.  That's not to take away anything from the victims of the many floods Manitoba has faced over the years.  Many lives have been altered dramatically because of weather here too.  But for now, things are safe and sound in Manitoba while our neighbors to the south begin to clean up the mess left from Sandy.  Here are some pictures I found online that show the extreme damage.


Courtesy of The Times.



Courtesy of The Hindu.


Hang in there, bud.  Courtesy of The Daily Beast.

For all those that lost loved ones - thoughts and prayers go out to you.  For those that lost their homes and/or property - I wish you a speedy recovery to better times.

You can help by making a donation to the American Red Cross.