History of the Vanier Cup

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Edward Brain

Prior to the 49th Vanier Cup game between the Calgary Dinos and the Laval Rouge et Or in Quebec City on November 23rd, I’d like to discuss the history of the Vanier Cup.

The Vanier Cup is the top title of the University football in Canada.   It was created in 1965 and named after George Vanier, the 19th Governor General of Canada.  For the first two years it the game was played by two teams who were invited to play, but since 1967 it has been the top title in Canadian University football.   While it was originally called the Canadian College Bowl, the cup was named after Mr. Vanier, and the game’s name was officially changed to the Vanier Cup in 1982. Continue reading →

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CFL Division Finals

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Edward Brain

We are now officially on the road to the Grey Cup.  On Sunday we see the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Toronto Argonauts in the East Division Final, while in the West Division Final its the Calgary Stampeders at home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Let’s take a look at the two matches: Continue reading →

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Blue Jays Announce Spring Training Schedule

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Edward Brain

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced their spring training schedule for the Grapefruit League season.

The preseason starts on February 26th in Clearwater, Florida against the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Blue Jays Grapefruit League home opener is the next day, February 27th, in a rematch against the Phillies. Continue reading →

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Maple Leaf Gardens

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Edward Brain

Today, Maple Leaf Gardens (‘the Gardens’) turns 82 years old.  It opened November 12th, 1931 as the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs ice hockey team.  The Maple Leafs would go on to win the Stanley Cup in their first season at the Gardens.  The Gardens was designated a heritage building in 1991, and as a National Historic Site in 2007.

The Gardens would serve as the home of the Maple Leafs until February 1999, and was also the home to the Toronto Marboros (1931-89), the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America (1946-47), the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association (1974-76), Buffalo Braves of the National Basketball Association (1971-75), the Toronto Raptors (1997-99) of the National Basketball Association, the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors of the Ontario Hockey League (1997-2000), and the Toronto Rock (1999-2000) just to name a few. Continue reading →

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Remembrance Day

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Edward Brain

Today, we remember all our troops, past and present, especially those who were killed in action.

Canada’s military has a long history of being involved in war, and in peacekeeping operations.  We have served in the American Revolution and War of 1812 before Confederation, and since Confederation in the Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Bosnia, Suez Crisis, Cyprus, Afghanistan,  etc.

Our military has long fought gallantry under difficult situations.  As such, I would like to thank all our military personnel for their service, and may we remember the sacrifices of all our military personnel.  Lest We Forget.

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Why the Mayor of Toronto Should Resign

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Edward Brain

At this point, with all the controversies that Mayor Rob Ford has had to deal with, I personally believe that it is time for him to resign as Mayor of Toronto.  The whole issue with his use of crack cocaine, which started back in May has done nothing but embarrass the city.

Mr. Ford recently made the following announcement with regards to his admission of using illegal drugs: Continue reading →

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Should Some Senators Resign?

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Edward Brain

The Senate is under scrutiny as it looks into whether or not it should suspend three of its members – namely Senators Patrick Brazeau (Quebec), Mike Duffy (P.E.I.), and Pamela Wallin (Saskatchewan).

I would state that it is time that the Senate step down and show that it respect the taxpayers of this country and suspend these three Senators without pay for their actions.  If the Senate takes too long to make a decision, or refuses to take action, it would make the Senate look worse then it does at the moment. Continue reading →

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‘I Love Lucy’ Live on Stage Review

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Edward Brain

Last night I attended the last performance of ‘I Love Lucy’ Live on Stage at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (‘Royal Alex’) starring Sirena Irwin (Lucy), Bill Mendieta (Ricky), Kevin Remington (Fred), and Joanna Daniels (Ethel.)

This is essentially a play within a play as those of us in the audience are representing the real audiences that went to watch I Love Lucy being recorded at Desilu.  In the play, we ‘watch’ as two episodes of the show are ‘filmed’ – in this case the episodes The Benefit and Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.  We watch this all proceed, just like the live audiences 60 years ago did, as these episodes are recorded.  We have a host from Desilu come out to welcome us to Desilu Studios for the recording and who explains what is going on during the filming.  Continue reading →

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Nominations do not Require Approval

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Edward Brain

Gerry Hyman has written a new article, so let’s discuss it.

The question I want to discuss in length is:

QUESTION:  Every candidate for our board of directors must be approved by a nomination committee established by the board. Is this procedure legal? Continue reading →

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20th Anniversary of ‘Touch ‘Em All Joe’

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Edward Brain

Today, October 23rd 2013, is the 20th anniversary of the most important homerun in Toronto Blue Jays history:  Joe Carter’s walk-off homerun to win the 1993 World Series for the Toronto Blue Jays.  This also happens to be the day when 2013 edition of the World Series starts.

On October 23rd 1993, the Blue Jays were playing in game 6 of the World Series.  The Blue Jays held a 3 to 2 over the Philadelphia Phillies and could win the World Series that night.  The Blue Jays took an early 5-1 lead before giving up 5 unanswered runs to trail 6-5. Continue reading →

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