Here I sit in the lobby of the Rogers Renaissance Hotel--formerly the Skydome Hotel and it would seem as if things are starting to pick up somewhat. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is right next door and plenty of activities are starting there so if you are coming this weekend, make sure you find the MTCC as it will be the place to be.
Don't know if you caught the DRSS last nite but what a pain getting out of Regina.For some reason, I was chosen to get the full over patdown from security before departing. DO I LOOK LIKE A TERRORIST OR SOMETHING??? (Don't answer that!!). I meet up with Wray in Winnipeg and we get to the hotel which thankfully is 30 seconds away from the Dome so I manage to catch the last couple of minutes of Rider practice and get some interviews. While not there long, you could tell by looking in the eyes of the guys there is a tremendous level of excitement and they are ready to play.
Following the show, I had to walk through downtown Toronto so even though it was raining off I left. Caught the end of the Walbys Warriors taping --I think Cam Wake gets the truck.(sorry to ruin that for you) Its hard not to notice where I am that the game is going on but it would seem are still a little skittish around here to discuss it. Its getting play on the local casts around here and I'm sure with the festival events and the invasion of green that is on its way that there will be more.
The Bombers had their media breakfast this morning which allowed the opportunity to talk to several Bombers and the ever-happy coach Doug Berry. Doug has never been that warm to Drew or I when talking to him in the past but he was much more at ease today. The Riders have a media luncheon today and then tonight K-J should be named MVP. Remember, another four hours of the DRSS tonite. Hope to talk you from 4-8.
PS: Its snowing here today..the temp is minus 1 and they shut down some schools. (ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!)
To: Mitch Mitch I just
To: Mitch
Mitch I just wanted to say that I totally agree with you regarding your response to Drew's seemingly ignorant question, "Why all the fanaticism?" You it the hail right on the head. I love the Leafs, and if they made it to the finals, of course I would want to hear major media coverage on them, as I do for the Riders.
But the best thing you said was that we hear so much crappy stuff on the news; this story is so refreshing.
As for you being patted down by airport security, perhaps someone wanted a cheap feel.
:)
Theresa
A poem I got from a buddy in
A poem I got from a buddy in TO.
Twas the night before Grey Cup, and all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, but the gophers back home.
The players were nestled and snug in their beds,
While visions of Grey Cup Rings danced in their heads.
When out on the field, there arose such a clatter,
Kent sprang from his bed to see what was the matter,
Away to his window, he flew like a flash,
Threw aside the Green Curtains, and Silky White Sash.
And what did he see with his wondering eye?
But a sea of Green Revelers and a furry brown guy.
"That looks like Dominguez, and Flick and Fantuz!"
"Its way after curfew! Do they want us to lose??"
So, out of his room and down to the field,
Coach Austin stormed out with a fury to wield.
As he went through the tunnel, the ground shook with a beat,
From the dancing and prancing of ten thousand feet.
"Hey Coach," cried a voice, "Whatcha doing down here?"
It was Szarka and Schultz, and they were handing out beer!
Chucky and Chick were grilling up Dogs,
With Burgers being served by O'Day and the Hogs.
Crandall cooked Hot Wings, Joseph grilled steak,
While Cates, Holmes, and Hughes helped Makowsky serve cake.
"This is nuts!" Austin shouted, "It's one-thirty AM!"
"I expected some revelry, but this is mayhem!"
Eric Tillman tapped Austin, " You're not Eagle Keys -"
"But I'm not Berry, or Gotta, or Gregory * so PLEASE!"
"You're all waddling around here like Wascana geese!"
"And in need of a dance coach like Donald Narcisse."
"Now, you've all had your fun, so back to your rooms."
But then Austin's nose picked up the barbecue fumes.
Then Green Is The Color rang out through the air,
As Congi and Boreham played Banjos with flair.
On Davis, on Johnson, on Coach Ritchie Hall,
Even old Alex Smith flashed a smile after all,
On Lloyd, on McCullough, on Hunt and on Perry,
On Kornegay, Frazier, and yes, even Kerry.
The skydome then filled with a soft greenish glow,
And the whole Rider Nation set poised for a show.
An S and a wheat sheaf then formed in the air,
And a smile took the place of Coach Kent Austin's glare.
Then everyone there, the players, the fans,
They formed a big circle by all holding hands,
Then right in the centre appeared the Grey Cup,
Which Fairholm and Ridway and Elgaard picked up.
They handed it over to Ritchie and Kent,
Who called Kerry and Eddie, and off the Cup went.
It was passed round the field, past heroes to present,
While Gainer dug holes for the Blue Bomber Pheasants.
That music was heard coast to coast people say
And they say Rider Pride grew three sizes that day.
Everyone left there dreaming of Blue Bomber doom.
And they sent all the Banjos to Troy Westwood's Room.
GO RIDERS GO!
BRING HOME THE CUP!
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