Winter Wonderland

Winter is officially here in Saskatchewan. Despite its annually appearance it somehow catches people off guard. People loathe winter, despite the fact that they have lived here their entire lives, and for some it brings out the worst. My advise is to embrace the season! Live each season as it passes; take in the sights, sounds, tastes of each. To ease the winter blues I have come up with the twenty best things to look forward to this winter.

20. Snuggling up with a great book
19. Star gazing
18. Beginning December 22nd the days are getting longer
17. Mid-Winter Celtic Festival - Feb. 5th and 6th
16. A mug of hot chocolate
15. Hosting a beach theme party
14. Mid-Winter Blues Festival - Feb. 25th -27th
13. Baking
12. Kona-fest - Regina's Winter Festival
11. Warming up by the fireplace
10. Sleigh rides
9. Winter picnics
8. Winter Olympics in Vancouver Feb. 12th - 28th!
7. Festiv-Ale - Over 200 beers to sample! Sounds delicious! It is the same weekend as the Celtic festival so you may want to take that Monday off.
6. Hot tubbing
5. Christmas
4. Beautiful scenery - soft white snow, hoar frost, holiday lights (makes for great photo opportunities!)
3. Game nights - cards, classics, or Carcassonne with the family or friends.
2. Sledding
1. Downhill skiing

History in the Making

For the first time in CFL history the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be playing the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup. I have a great deal of respect for these two talented and disciplined teams.

Let's consider the stats. On offense, Als QB, Anthony Calvillo, has completed 72% of his passes, threw twenty-six touchdowns and only six picks. Darian Durant executed 60% of his throws accurately, passed for twenty-four touchdowns and a league-high twenty-one interceptions. Montreal is first in the league for average yards passing a game (294) and second in average yards rushing a game with 120. Saskatchewan is fifth and sixth respectively in those categories - 259.6 passing and 109.6 rushing yards a game.

Defensively, Montreal gave up an average of 245.2 passing yards/game (first in league) while the Riders relinquished an average of 249.5 yards for fourth in the league. Rush defense is a different story. The Riders allowed 123.4 yards (avg/game) making them second last in the league against the run. Meanwhile the Als limited their opponents to only 75.1 yards (avg/game) which is the best run defense in the CFL.

On paper these numbers look daunting to Roughrider fans. However I feel Saskatchewan has four key weapons in which they can pull out a win against Montreal:

First, we must exploit our run game. Wes Cates was the only running back not to rush for 1,000 yards this season. Cates has 400 less all purpose yards and half as many touchdowns than he did last year. Paul LaPolice must incorporate more running plays into the offense on Sunday.

Next, our solid defense must influence the game. By pressuring Calvillo, hindering Montreal's run game, and shutting down Watkins and Richardson (who account for half of Montreal's receiving touchdowns), the Riders will keep this game in reach.

Saskatchewan will need to pull out some tricks from the playbook. Dressler had been involved in several sneak plays. In the West Final Armstead received a hand-off from Durant and threw a 42 yard pass to Bagg in the third. Such plays will keep Montreal's defense on edge.

"The thing you need to do is get your mind right and get ready to come out here and play football." This was Durant's mentality heading into the West Final. After the game he added, "I’ve been telling [the media] all week that’s it’s another game — seriously. I wasn’t nervous. I just went out there and played football, because when it all dies down, you have to play football for three hours." The Riders have been calm and focused in the last few games. They must play with the same mind-set in Calgary.

I'm looking forward to an exciting game of Canadian football! My prediction: Saskatchewan Roughriders 32 Montreal Alouettes 30

Human Rights Day

December 10th is a very special day for every single one of us. For you see on that day in 1948 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly. It consists of thirty articles describing basic human rights and freedoms inherent for ALL people regardless of sex, age, identity, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality. Every December 10th we celebrate this immensely valuable document.

For the last six years Amnesty International has honoured the declaration by holding a Global Write-a-thon. Last year over thirty-six thousand letters were written by Canadian participators alone. Over twenty-thousand letters were written in each of the 2006 and 2007 Write-a-thons.

Does writing letters work? It sure does! It lets governments, businesses, and individuals know that covert and clandestine activities will not go unnoticed. Our letters are acknowledged, heeded, and answered. Governments respond to public pressure. Every year prisoners of conscience and others wrongfully incarcerated are released after Amnesty Write-a-thons. During the 2008 Write-a-thon, letter writers demanded to know the whereabouts of Jestina Mukoko, a human rights activist in Zimbabwe. Mukoko had been abducted by state security officials on December 3rd, 2008. Her whereabouts were released on December 24th, after persuasion from thousands of Write-a-thon letters. She remained in custody until March 2nd, 2009 when she was released on bail following three months of international pressure. In September of this year, the Zimbabwe Supreme Court ordered a stop to the prosecution of Mukoko after hearing that she was tortured in custody.

This year I will be writing ten letters from December 6th - 12th. I encourage everyone to take time to write at least one letter as a tribute to the rights we take for granted every day in Canada. If you wish to sponsor my letter writing or make a donation to Amnesty International please contact me. For information on and appeals for the 2009 Write-a-thon please visit http://www.amnesty.ca/writeathon/.

Remembrance Day

On June 28th, 1914 an assassination pulled Europe and the rest of the world into two major wars. World War One occurred nearly one hundred years ago, making it a distant memory. In July of this year Harry Patch, the last living soldier of WWI trench warfare passed away, leaving only three remaining World War One veterans alive. World War Two began seventy years ago, meaning anyone who served in it is in their eighties. We are quickly losing our living history - voices, memories, experiences, and sacrifices of veterans.

In World War One soldiers were faced with deplorable circumstances. They had to contend with disease, lice, frostbite, trench foot, mud, shell shock, and rats; along with the threat of being killed or maimed. British poet, Wilfred Owen, describes the plight of soldiers:

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till the haunting flares we turned our backs
And toward our distant rest we began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped, on blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.

Improvements in medicine, training, and technology eliminated some of these problems for soldiers in the second world war. Nevertheless soldier life was just as harsh. Weapons were larger, more modern, and more lethal. Soldiers also had to battle weather (cold winters in Europe and the heat in the South Pacific and northern Africa), diseases such as malaria, hunger, dehydration, and sleep deprivation as a result of frequent advances.

On Wednesday we will pause and reflect on those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. 60,000 Canadian soldiers were killed in World War One, another 150,000 wounded. In World War Two 42,000 soldiers were killed and 50,000+ returned home injured. The Korean War left 520 soldiers dead and 1600 hurt. 116 and 133 Canadian soldiers have died in peacekeeping operations and Afghanistan respectively.

During that time we must also pay respect to innocent civilians who also lost their lives as a result of world conflicts:
- the millions of citizens forced into labour in Germany and Japanese-occupied areas of Asia and the South Pacific.
- the hundreds of thousands of people living in cities of China, England, Germany, and Japan which were firebombed by either Axis or Allied air forces.
- Korean and other "comfort women" forced to become sex slaves for the Imperial Japanese Army.
- the six million plus Jews, homosexuals, disabled, Poles, Romani, and Jehovah's Witnesses murdered by the Third Reich.
- the 300,000 civilians killed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Please attend a Remembrance Day service, donate to the Royal Canadian Legion, or reflect in your way and pay your respects.

Lest we forget.

Buy Nothing Day

This week I am introducing you to a challenge. On Friday, November 27th you cannot purchase anything. The task is that elementary; for twenty-four hours simply buy nothing. Sounds easy. Why don't you give it a shot.

The concept of Buy Nothing Day (BND) was created by Ted Dave an artist from Vancouver in 1992. It is a day to analyze our consumption. Adbusters has backed this idea year after year and today it is celebrated in dozens of countries. Participators may partake in credit card cut up, dressing up as zombie shoppers, swap shopping, workshops, and whirl-mart.

I believe most critics of BND are ill-informed of its objectives. Its purpose is not to put businesses or people out of work or create a generation of non-consumers. BND aims to inspire society. It encourages people to critique their choices, differentiate between their needs and wants, reflect on the convenience in which we live today, and appreciate how fortunate we are. It is a day of fasting and thanksgiving. For one day, promoters ask us to be engaged with those living around us rather than possessions. Friends, family, neighbours, and nature are all around us and sometimes overlooked. Most valuable, BND stresses that "consumerism creates pleasure but not happiness."

Please join me on November 27th and save your money. Get outside, go for a walk, visit friends, start a journal, or write a letter instead of shopping.

If you are up for another challenge don't buy anything the following day as this is when Europe celebrates BND.

"...Singing Drunken Lullabies"

I was ecstatic in July when I read that Flogging Molly was on tour in Canada - as near as Saskatoon even! I immediately texted my brother Mike who had introduced me to the likes of Irish rock music. Minutes later tickets I ordered our tickets for the October 25th show.

My other brother Shawn and I arrived in Saskatoon early Sunday evening. After a delectable home-cooked meal of spaghetti squash, jalapeno sausage, and zucchini courtesy of Mike we were off to the Odeon. Walking up the street to the centre we were greeted by a fellow concert goer. Unmistakably drunk he announced that his bathroom break at O'Shea's would allow him to conceal his flask of whiskey in a place not worthy of mentioning. We bid him well and got in line. Once inside we hit the merch table which was packed with eager customers. I picked up a modestly priced t-shirt ($20) and the cd Swagger ($10). The first opening band, Dean Lickyer, was a hard hitting rock band from Hamilton with a singer resemblant of a young Mick Jagger, frolicking with brash intensity. He was clearly excited at the opportunity of opening for Flogging Molly. After a short intermission, Inward Eye from Winnipeg performed. Their musical style is influenced by The Clash and other English rock bands. Moshing broke out behind us and bodies were flying, mostly in anticipation for the headliner. After seven or eight songs the crowd was riled up.

The thirty plus minute intermission before Flogging Molly was difficult to bear. We ran into our intoxicated friend who complained that his flask had been confiscated (probably for the best). Around 10:30 Dave King led the band on stage. Opening with Every Dog Has Its Day the crowd erupted in jigging, jumping, moshing, and signing at the top of their lungs. There was no rest for the next thirty minutes. Songs such as Drunken Lullabies, Requiem for a Dying Song, The Likes of You Again kept the crowd dancing and highly engaged. King then declared it was time to slow things down and give the moshers a break because "we still had a long way to go." An acoustic play set followed with hits including Life in a Tenement Square and Float. (Not that this tamed the animated crowd). Soon after the seven member band returned to more high energy rock melodies like Rebels of the Sacred Heart and Seven Deadly Sins. Dave then paid tribute to a recently deceased friend "not to grieve his death, but to celebrate his life." He mentioned other talented late musicians - Johnny Cash, Bob Marley - breaking out into I Shot the Sheriff for a short gig before playing If I Ever Leave This World Alive. I was amazed at how King's vocals were still strong as the concert neared the end. As the band left the stage the crowd chanted "Just one more!" Minutes later Dave came out to begin Laura before the others joined in. An encore of Seven Deadly Sins left the concert goers feeling exhilarated and a little more Irish.

A two hour, twenty plus song play list definitely exceeded my expectations. If you ever have the chance to see Flogging Molly in concert you go for it!

Flogging Molly Website

Civic Election 2009

Another three year term is over for our mayor, municipal councilors, and school board trustees. It is time for us as citizens to exercise our right to vote. The sad reality is that in the past four elections an average of over two-thirds of Reginans chose not to participate. In the 2006 civic election 36% of eligible voters voted. In 2003, voter turnout was 24.9% - most likely due to the fact that Pat Fiacco was voted in by acclamation. 38% turned out to mark an X as Fiacco challenged Doug Archer for his job in 2000. Only 25% of voters came out in 1997. Voter turnout increases when the position of mayor is contended and this year three individuals are vying for the job.

Why is voter turnout at the municipal level drastically low? 1. My vote really doesn't count. If every person thinking this question voted who knows what the results would have been. Over 82,000 eligible individuals did not vote in 2006; nearly double the 42,000 citizens which did vote. Do you not think the outcome would have been different if they had voted? 2. I don't care about city politics. Have you ever complained about construction zones, property taxes, public transit, garbage collection, crime, snow removal, school closures (that's me)... Your voice makes a difference and council will act accordingly if electors raise valid concerns and lobby. 3. It is just a civic election, it doesn't really matter who runs the city. Do you have vision of what you want your city to be like? Perhaps more green space, clear sidewalks in the winter, or a cleaner city. There are candidates who share your vision and they are counting on your support. 4. access to polls: Technology has improved the methods in which we vote. Citizens can now vote in person, on-line, by mail, or by phone. Mobile polls are available for people with disabilities. Advanced polls allow us to vote prior to election day if need be.

Top four reasons to vote: 1. Millions of people worldwide have no say.* We take our right to vote for granted. In some areas of the world people are fighting for such rights. Women in western nations haven't even been voting for one hundred years; Aboriginal women less than sixty years. Voting was even a privilege for men in the late 19th century as only those with property were permitted to vote. 2. It is your say, your time, your opportunity. This is the day we as citizens are given to scrutinize city council. Did they work with dedication and passion at their job? Did they keep their last election promises? We have the ability to say yes or no to the next three years. 3. A way to improve or change our city. We can all point out aspects of our city we don't like or agree with. By voting we give permission to those we elect to represent us and our concerns. 4. We must set an example for younger generations. "Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate." Children frequently do what they see their parents, and other adult role models, doing.

Please mark Wednesday, October 28th on your calendar. In the next three weeks research your candidates, ask them questions, listen to debates, and find your polling station. On election day you will vote with confidence knowing you made an informed decision and exercised your right.

Visit www.regina.ca for all voting information.

*This map is based on civil and political rights and not entirely on the right to vote. However, it gives the reader an idea of where voter rights are lacking in the world.

"Debt is the slavery of the free"

For some god-awful reason I decided to see what was on television one afternoon. I came across 'Til Debt Do Us Part which details couples' financial circumstances and resolves their budgetary predicaments. Shock came across me. One episode featured a couple who had a new tv, a mini fridge, game system, and dvds in their original packaging in their living room. Big deal - virtually everyone has such luxuries in their home. The host goes on to outline the couple's debts: Three credit cards with $24,000 owing on them, a $35,000 line of credit, two car loans totaling $23,000, student loan of $3700, $3000 owing on back taxes, and the tv (bought on a buy now pay later plan) - $2200. A colossal debt of over $100,000!! Spending is also an issue. In addition to paying the mortgage, loans, and bills, $1500 a month is spent on food (groceries, restaurants, and alcohol), $650 on home decor, $550 on clothes, $500 on electronics, and another $500 disappears in bank charges and fees... What is most surprising is that together their net income is $89,000 and they have no children. What the h*ll is going on??

I decided to investigate some more. It turns out this is not an isolated case, affecting young and old, couples and families. Canadians are $1.3 trillion dollars in debt (900 billion or 69% of that represents mortgages the remaining is consumer debt).

I place the blame on three aspects. First is the incredible availability of credit. Anyone can apply for credit in the form of a loan, a card, or line. We are pressed by banks, retail stores, and credit card companies to the tune of 200 million offers every year. Canadians possess 64.1 million MasterCard and Visa cards. This does not include the 24 million retail credit cards in the wallets of Canadians. We certainly do not have to earn much money to spend a lot more of it.

Secondly, our consumer society constantly reminds us that we need luxuries. We are exposed to hundreds of ads every day. We are told we must have that big screen plasma television, the most fashionable clothes, that new car, and modern home decor. The reason being? Such things apparently bring us happiness and reflect our social status.

Thirdly, is the lack of education and willpower. Most provinces have an area of study where students learn money management. The problem is that these courses are not mandatory. Ideally, financial affairs should be taught at home. Of course this only works if the parents are disciplined in their spending. People make too much money and mismanage it. Or they get married and no longer see the need to micromanage their finances as their combined income is substantial. When we don't pay attention to where our money goes, we can fall in financial dilemmas. Accompanying this is the absence of self-restraint. Buying on impulse, on emotion, on habit, or on want only adds to our monetary problems.

"Shameful Chapter in Canadian History"

Last Thursday two hundred people packed a university lecture hall to hear Mr. Alex Neve, Secretary-General of Amnesty International Canada, speak on behalf of Indigenous people around the world. Two years almost to the date, the "most neglected and overlooked people of the world" were finally acknowledged after twenty-two years of negotiations and debate. On September 13th, 2007 the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was supported by 143 nations in the assembly. At the time only four countries voted against the proposal: Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and most surprisingly of all - Canada. "It was a source of great shame and embarrassment that my own country chose to stand on the wrong side of this human rights milestone," Neve asserted.

Neve began by providing a brief history of how the declaration and Canada's decision came to be. In 1945 national leaders came together to ensure that the human rights atrocities of World War II would never be repeated. This led to the founding of the United Nations (1945) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights followed in 1966. Neve accentuated three important aspects involved in these declarations. First, all were universal in nature; guaranteeing rights for each and every individual. Secondly, they were government-driven rather than originating from grassroots lobbying. Finally, governments laboured to create these documents under "challenging Cold War circumstances."

Governments soon recognized that particular rights and individuals needed more attention due to their vulnerability or nature. Conventions on racial discrimination, discrimination against women, against torture, and on the rights of children and refugees were formulated in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. In 1982 the United Nations perceived that Indigenous peoples across the world were among the poorest, unhealthiest, and least educated in their respective countries. The push to develop a declaration of their rights began.

By 2005 the draft of the declaration had nearly halted and there were fears of it remaining unfinished. Nation members of the Working Group persisted in accomplishing the job. Canada, which had previously been indifferent in contributing to the draft, became more active in the drive to complete the declaration. However, three key events in 2006 turned Canada "from bridge-builder to foe of the declaration." The first was a change in government; the Conservatives defeated the Liberals in the January 2006 election. Secondly, in March the United Nations called for an overhaul and the Commission of Human Rights was dismantled and replaced by the Human Rights Council. Lastly, and most significant was Prime Minister Harper's first international visitor in May of 2006. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, staunchly opposed to the document, persuaded Harper to his side. The new government "which had not uttered a previous word" about the convention was now against it. Leading up to the fall 2007 vote on the declaration, Canada along with Australia, New Zealand and the US did all they could to lobby against it.

Why? Why did Canada become hostile to the declaration? Neve argues that there was never a clear public answer. A few arguments include: it is inconsistent with the Canadian Constitution, it risks reopening treaty negotiations, collective rights of the document would undermined individual rights, or that it violates national defense acts. Regardless, these answers are vague and never elaborated on. In fact the constitution counters most of these excuses.

Who cares if Canada did not sign the Declaration? To begin with, Canada's reputation as a human rights leader has been tarnished. Our nation has been a consistently powerful voice for the protection of human rights, starting with our central role in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Secondly, rejecting the declaration suggests that it does not apply to our country. Thirdly, in a world lavish with human rights abuses, we need international leaders. As a country with a significant Aboriginal population, Canada's voice matters in setting an example to other nations. Finally, Canada has not done enough to alleviate "the gravity of injustices" experienced by our Aboriginal population:

• Since 1971, the Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta have been in opposition with governments over rights to the land on which they live.
• The disappearance and murder of Aboriginal women is so prominent in Manitoba that the government formed a joint police task force to review cases of missing women last month.
• Aboriginal child protection agencies receive less funding than non-Aboriginal protection organizations.

Neve urged all attendees to "bring this shameful chapter in Canadian history to a close." Please call or write letters to your Member of Parliament, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and encourage your friends to do the same.

Take action

Find your Member of Parliament

N.B. In April 2009 the Australian government, under new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, officially approved the Declaration. The United States and New Zealand governments are currently rethinking their positions.

Day of Infamy

In the early morning hours of September 11th an unimaginable tragedy occurred. Confused and distressed citizens listened painstakingly to radio and news reports for the facts on what had transpired. Despite his entourage of political aids and security advisers, the president himself remained uninformed. The world seemed to pause for the next few days, speculating on what was to come. Many people recall exactly where they were and what they were doing on that fateful September morning. In the end approximately three thousand innocent people had lost their lives.

This Friday marks the thirty-sixth anniversary of the dreadful event. What a minute? Don't you mean the eighth commemoration Nathan? Regardless of what may have crossed your Americentric mind, I have been referring to the Chilean coup d'etat of September 11th, 1973 and not the 9/11 attacks on the USA. For on that infamous day, the democratically elected presidency of Salvador Allende was overthrown by military personnel led by the general of the Chilean army, Augusto Pinochet. Seventeen years full of disappearances, torture, persecution, imprisonment, murder, and forced exiles followed. According to the Valech Commission three thousand people were executed, thirty thousand jailed and tortured, and several thousand were forced to leave the country.

President Salvador Allende Gossens

The two events share more than a common date. In 1970, President Richard Nixon authorized the CIA to oust Mr. Allende from office. For you see President Allende was a socialist and immediately viewed as a threat to America and American business in Chile. However, this is a discussion for another time.

My motive is simply to create awareness of the eclipsed Chilean coup d'etat. I ask that as you pause to remember the 3,000 innocent American lives lost eight years, please honour the thousands of lives affected by the events thirty-six years ago in Chile.

Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other
men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks
to prevail. Go forward knowing that, sooner rather than later, the
great avenues will open again and free men will walk through them
to construct a better society.

Long live Chile! Long live the people! Long live the workers!

-Salvador Allende 11 September 1973

Click here for Chilean news on their commemoration.

Click here for American news on their remembrance services.

Canadian Gridiron

I have been an enthusiastic Riders and CFL fan for the better part of seven years now. No other sport can capture my attention like Canadian football. This week marks the mid-point of the season, the time when I feel inclined to reflect on where the teams stand so far. Numbers in parentheses are my predictions, from June, for the season standings. The players listed below each team are, in my opinion, up and coming playmakers.

In the west division, the 5-3 Eskimos were noticeably sluggish at the beginning of the season. Notwithstanding, Edmonton has since jelled and are playing like they should be. In addition to averaging 322 passing yards a game, they are the league's least penalized team. With their offense, defense, and special teams firing be sure to watch the Esks climb to the top of the division. (13-5)

Arkee Whitlock - 5 TDs, 800+ combined yards
Tristan Jackson - 1 TD punt return, averages 15 yards per return

In the first eight games, Calgary has been inconsistent. After routing Toronto and BC earlier in the season, the Stamps have lost two very close games against Saskatchewan and Edmonton. Not that they have played poorly during those games, but in the end you must have the win. This past weekend they barely managed a win against the Argonauts. At a mediocre 4-4, Calgary must improve on its run defense (averaging 128.5 yards/game against them) if they want be in the Grey Cup on home turf. Look for Calgary to battle Saskatchewan for second place in the west. (12-6)

Odell Willis - 11 tackles, 6 sacks

In June I had been rather worried about the Roughriders' defense with the departure of Richie Hall, Maurice Lloyd, Kitwana Jones, and Scott Gordon. However with Stevie Baggs and John Chick in our lineup my apprehension was soon put to rest. Together these boys boast 34 tackles, 13 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. Baggs is currently tied for first in the league with 7 sacks. Even our quarterbacks are playing better than I anticipated. Nonetheless, the Riders still have their work cut out for them. Saskatchewan needs to work on its run defense, stay focused for an entire sixty minutes, and create opportunities to score points in the third quarter. In eight games, opponents have outscored the Riders 78-7 in the third quarter. I remain optimistic that the Riders will finish better than I predicted a few months ago. (8-10)

Stevie Baggs - 28 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 force fumbles
Weston Dressler- 2 TDs, 750+ combined yards

BC will remain at the bottom of the west. With no pivotal quarterback and key defensive players traded, they are no longer the dominating team from a couple years ago. The Lions are last in the league in rush defense giving up an average of 156 yards a game on the ground. They also have a league-high 33 turnovers. Wally Buono needs to make some major adjustments in the second half of the season. BC faces back to back games against a powerful Montreal team after the bye week. (9-9)

Emmanuel Arcenaux - 7 TDs, 500 yards receiving
Martell Mallett - 3 TDs, 1100+ combined yards

On to the east division. For awhile it was believed that Montreal would go undefeated this season. I think this sentiment appears in any league with any team that starts 4-0. In week 5 the Alouettes were beaten 33-19 by the Eskimos, but it remains their only defeat thus far. The Als deserve the 7-1 record they have, holding first spot in a number of categories: fewest sacks allowed (10), fewest turnovers (15), 23 sacks against opponents, limiting other teams to an average of 67 rushing yards a game. Anthony Calvillo is blessed with a 74% pass completion rate and averages 11.3 yards a pass. I don't mean to make it sound that statistics tell the whole story, but Montreal will more than likely finish better than the 12-6 record I predicted back in June. (12-6)

S.J. Green - 2 TDs, 200+ receiving yards
Larry Taylor - 2 punt return TDs, 15 yard average on returns

After several dismal years, Hamilton is a much improved team. They have quickly become my second favourite team to cheer for. With a promising and athletic quarterback, Quinton Porter and back-up veteran qb Kevin Glenn, a robust receiving core, and an unyielding defense the Ti-Cats have become a force to be reckoned with. Take in one of their games and see the intensity they play with. Hamilton will duel the Bombers for second in the east. (7-12)

DeAndra Cobb - 5 TDs, 700+ combined yards
Geoff Tisdale - 17 tackles, 1 INT for TD

Winnipeg's performance through the first half of the season has been erratic. With the retirement of veteran receiver Milt Stegall and the release of qb Kevin Glenn, the biggest struggle for the Bombers is their passing game. Presently, the Bombers average only a league-low 153.5 passing yards a game. The acquirement of qb Michael Bishop has not solved their offensive woes. Completing only 49% of his passes, Bishop is only slightly more effective than the man he replaced, Stefan Lefors. On the other hand, the Bombers enjoy positive points too. They rush an average of 161 yards per game, the highest in the league. Additionally, Winnipeg players snagged 19 interceptions in eight games, more than any other team. The Bombers need to focus on offense in order to contend with Hamilton for second place. (8-10)

Dorian Smith - 22 tackles, 5 sacks

The Argonauts have numerous problems to say the least. Cody Pickett has outperformed Joesph; has yet to win a game though. Toronto is atop the league in most sacks allowed (30), most penalty yards (850), and only 154 scoring points. Rookie Bart Andrus has made some questionable calls as coach - his decision to trade Bruce (their #1 receiver) to Hamilton. More recently the potential game-tying field goal attempt against Calgary last Friday. (6-12)

Justin Medlock 20/21 field goals made (95%), longest 52 yards

Join me in watching some electrifying CFL action this weekend! (20-12 on season predictions)

The Little Orange Wagon

"Ten more" I called as I prepped plates and stared out the window. It was another "busy" day at work. Suddenly my attention was drawn to a tangerine-orange VW van which had pulled up and parked right in line with my eyesight. A bike rack on the back carried four bikes and a few characters ranging in age from ten to thirty-five piled out. What a great summer idea I thought. Traveling and camping in an old VW van across Canada. Tenting, biking, exploring, and cruising - imagine the possibilities!! That is definitely on my dream list.


This past week I contemplated what other activities would be on my dream list. Here is a snippet of what I came up with in no particular order:

Travel to every continent - I would love to visit places that are so different from where I live. So far I have only been to Europe. And North America I suppose lol.

Paragliding - This looks extremely fun and exciting. My older brother went a couple years ago and highly recommends it. Kinda hard to do in Saskatchewan though.

Give up TV for a month - I was originally going to put for a year, but due to the ubiquitous of TVs I'd failed for sure. It would also have to take place during the CFL off season.

Become a historical tour guide- Probably in Europe, however I'm flexible. Auschwitz-Birkenau would be far too bleak and disheartening, but maybe a tour of a World War One battlefield or on the beaches of Normandy.

Adopt a pet dog - Not one of those tiny dogs that I would step on and maim accidentally or the crossbreed dogs with ridiculous names like Bullshihtz, Snorkie, Boggle, or Maltipoo. I like the medium sized dogs like retrievers, labradors, border collie, basenji, or maybe a beagle.

Participate in traditional sweat lodge ceremonies - A moving, sacred, life-altering and educational experience from what I hear.

Scuba diving - Without question I have to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and in the Caribbean.

Learn how to meditate - or actually try it maybe a better way to phrase it. I am very curious about Buddhism and its practices.

Volunteer or teach in Africa and Japan - Africa fascinates me, Japan intrigues me.

Feel free to tell your own dream under comments!