January 1st, 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the City of Toronto becoming a ‘megacity.’
Prior to January 1st, 1998, the city we now call Toronto was comprised of six distinct cities: East York, Etobicoke North York, Scarborough, Toronto, and York. All those cities were in turn part of a regional municipality as well: Metropolitan Toronto (aka ‘Metro Toronto’ or simply ‘Metro’.)
Continue readingIt’s now the end of 2022. Looks take a look at what occurred this year:
January
Sidney Poitier Passed Away on January 7th at the age of 94.
February
Queen Elizabeth II Celebrated her Platinum Jubilee on February 6th.
Canada won 26 medals at the Winter Olympics.
On the 24th, Russia would invade Ukraine. The invasion would be ongoing throughout the year.
March
I attended the live HD broadcast of Don Carlos in the cimena on the 26th.
April
May
VIA Rail’s flagship train, the Canadian, went back to its’ pre-pandemic two day a week service. The first Wednesday departure of the train from Toronto departed May 4th. I was there to capture the departure.
I also attended some events during Doors Open Toronto at the end of the month.
June
In Ontario, a Provincial election occurred. The Progressive Conservatives under Doug Ford were returned to power with an increased majority.
July
On July 1st, Canada turned 155 years old.
On the 23rd, longtime owner and CEO of the WWE, Vince McMahon, retired after news reports that he had paid off female employees following relationships with them.
July also saw the passing of actors Tony Dow and Nichelle Nichols.
August
In August, Team Canada competed at the Commonwealth Games, winning 92 medals in total.
The Warriors’ Day Parade, and the CNE, returned after a two year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.
I also reviewed a new biography about the recently retired Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel.
September
On September 8th, Queen Elizabeth II passed away just months after festivities to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Summit Series.
October
On October 8th, the Canadian Opera Company opened its’ first full season since the pandemic with a performance of The Flying Dutchman.
On the 11th, Dame Angela Landsbury passed away at 96.
In Ontario, municipal elections took place on the 24th. The election saw many mayors re-elected, including Bonnie Crombie, Patrick Brown, and John Tory as well as the election of former NDP leader and Leader of the Opposition, Andrea Horwath, as Mayor of Hamilton.
November
November 11th saw the first Remembrance Day services without restrictions sine 2019.
On the 21st, the Toronto Argonauts won a record 18th Grey Cup with a 24-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bomberrs in the 109th Grey Cup game from Regina. The Argonauts have now won the Grey Cup in seven straight appearances in the game, as well as winning all seven encounters in the Grey Cup game against the Blue Bombers. The Blue Bombers had won the previous two Grey Cups and were looking to create the first Dynasty since the Edmonton Eskimos won five straight Grey Cups from 1978-1982.
Canada also appeared in its’ second FIFA World Cup.
December
On December 4th, Bob McGrath passed away. He was famous for his work on “Sesame Street.”
Kirstie Alley would pass away on December 5th. She was well known for her roles on “Cheers” and in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”
Santa Claus Parades in many areas returned after a two year hiatus.
Argentina would win the World Cup on December 18th, beating defending Champions, France.
This year would also see the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, although most restrictions would be eased in many countries, with the return of normalcy in many countries.
Let’s look at some highlights of my blog:
The most popular posts were:
The most popular month for views was March with 334 views.
Thanks for visiting this past year! And all the best in for 2023!
I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
May you spend your Christmas with family and friends and have a wonderful and enjoyable Christmas.
The year is coming to a close and I would also like to thank everyone who has read my Blog this year for all the support as it is very appreciated. Thank you.
Continue readingThe 2022 World Cup Final is now set. The final sees the two-time, and reigning Champions, France, taking on another two time Champion, Argentina.
The final takes place on December 18th, while the day before Morocco takes on Croatia in the third place match.
Look for France to become the first team since Brazil won the 1958 and 1962 titles while Croatia takes third place..
The Quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup are now set.
The following teams will meet in the Quarterfinals:
Continue readingThe knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup are now ready to begin with the Round of 16 set.
Let’s look at the matchups:
Continue readingOn November 24th, 2022, the Toronto Argonauts celebrated their win in the 109th Grey Cup game. The win marks their 18th title, the most of any team. They have also won the Cup in their last seven trips to the big game and beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers all seven times they faced them in the Grey Cup game.
Hénoc Muamba was named the Most Valuable Player and the Most Valuable Canadian.
Continue readingThe 109th Grey Cup goes down today in Regina, Saskatchewan. The East Division is represented by the Toronto Argonauts (11-7) and the West Division is represented by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (15-3).
The Argonauts beat the Montreal Alouettes in the East Final while the Blue Bombers beat the BC Lions in the West Final. Both teams finished first in their respectful divisions. This is the 24th time the Argonauts have played in the Grey Cup and have a league leading 17 Grey Cup victories. The is the 27th Grey Cup appearance for the Blue Bombers who are looking for their 13th Grey Cup title.
Continue readingTeam Canada is ready to make its’ second appearance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar which starts in a few days time. The last time Team Canada participated was in 1986.
Team Canada will consist of:
Goalkeepers:
Dayne St. Clair
James Pantemis
Milan Borjan
Defencemen:
Alistair Johnston
Sam Adekugbe
Kamal Miller
Steven Vitória
Richie Laryea
Derek Cornelius
Joel Waterman
Midfielders:
Samuel Piette
Stephen Eustáquio
Liam Fraser
Atiba Hutchinson
Mark-Anthony Kaye
Ismaël Koné
Jonathan Osorio
David Wotherspoon
Forwards:
Lucas Cavallini
Junior Hoilett
Tajon Buchanan
Iké Ugbo
Cyle Larin
Alphonso Davies
Jonathan David
Liam Millar
Team Canada will play in Group F and will play Belgium (November 23rd), Croatia (November 27th), and Morocco (December 1st.)
Team Canada will be in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a co-host alongisde the United States, and Mexico.
So, let’s cheer on Team Canada! Go Canada Go!
Today, November 11th 2022, we mark Remembrance Day in Canada and the sacrifices made by our military during the many conflicts Canada has been involved in.
Canadians have a long tradition of joining its allies in conflicts when required and to successfully fight in many difficult situations in order that we all may enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today.
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