The Silver Stampeder Home Page

September 18, 2006:
So, I’m crippled, but I’m smiling.
The smile is frozen on my face, quite literally, from the game on Friday night, when the Stamps executed everywhere but in the red zone, but the other areas were done well enough to whip a helpless-looking pack of Bombers.
That included Charles Roberts, who ran his mouth before the game about how he was the premiere running back in the CFL, and how Joffrey Reynolds would always be second to him. Well, Chuck, you got 23 yards on nine carries, while that other guy piled up almost 200 yards on the ground! Keep playing like that, Charlie, and Ricky Williams will beat you as far as yards gained this season! Joffrey is the real deal, and I would not be at all surprised to see him win the rushing “title” this year, and for years to come!
The crippled part? Yeah, I did 10K in this year’s Terry Fox Run… to tell you the truth, I haven’t run at all since last year’s 5-day adventure, so what should have been a relatively easy run turned out to be torture. Of course, it didn’t help that I ran the whole thing in the giant shoes – my feet were actually bleeding a little by the end, and I have several blisters that make walking tough this morning. Not to mention my muscles, which feel like they have needles implanted all through them. Ouch. However, I did finish all 10K, and I did raise $150 for cancer research, so that goes a little ways towards numbing the pain.
But, back to football. I also want to give a shout out to the Stamps receiving corps, and I gotta tell ya, I think those guys are smart as whips. All week, the only thing anyone was talking about was the touchdown dances. What baffled most people, I think, was that the Copeland, Lewis et all did little to try to calm the storm – if anything, they seemed to egg on the reporters who called for an end to the dancing.
And so, all week, Henry Burris got a reprieve from the relentless talk of how he’s not a big-game QB. The o-line heard little about their slip in Edmonton. The whole team got the week off, while the receivers let the pressure roll off their backs. For this, I applaud them, if that was their intention. If not, well, it was a nice side-effect, at least.
And, for the record, I liked the bobsled, the bike and the 4x100 relay - but Rambo on the endzone post in Montreal didn’t do it for me.
And I have to comment on those pesky Esks – if anyone out there is still talking about Nic Lewis and his legal hit on Kelly Wiltshire, they need to stop, take a break from the fanatical, blinding devotion to their team and give their head a firm shake. If ever there was a dirty player in the CFL, it’s AJ Gass. He has proven, time and again, not to be the”hard nosed” player who “plays on the edge” as some have claimed, but instead proven himself to be a dirty cheat who sadly, also has great talent. The kick to Ralph at the end of the Hamilton – Edmonton game was disgraceful. No, it probably didn’t hurt the receiver, but it hurts the league to have players with this sort of attitude. Was he trying to hurt Brock? I doubt it. But allowing his frustration to manifest itself via the foot to a fallen player’s gut is unprofessional and a pathetic display of disrespect. Now, just because he’s an Edmonton player, it doesn’t mean I’m going to be extra vindictive. I know a lot of Esk fans called for unrealistic punishments for the Lewis block and the endzone celebrations, but I don’t think it’s unrealistic for the league to hand down a one-game suspension for this act, if for no other reason than to keep AJ Gass off the field for the rematch with Hamilton, and remove what could be the fuse to a worse altercation.
By the way, way to go Hamilton! Thanks for beating those Eskies! Although beating them ourselves to put their playoff lives in danger would have been sweet, having them lose to their old QB and his slumping team is almost as good! Here’s hoping those Tabbies can follow up with the rematch!

September 14, 2006:
I’ve been turning this over in my mind for a while now, trying to figure out how to write this. I know that talking about the writing process in the intro is cheesy and cliched, but hey, go with what you know.
And as the Silver Stampeder, I have been the face of cheesy for the past few years. From the early days of face paint and random craziness, throught the incarnation of the Ultimate Stamps Fan, to the development of the Silver Stampeder character, it’s been nothing but good times, lots of cheering, and of course, lots of good fundraising for great causes in the Calgary area.
It was early in the days of the Silver Stampeder, soon after winning the first Fritos contest, that I started to think about what else this character could do, other than simply being a loud crazy guy at football games.
I am proud to say that, over the years, the Silver Stampeder has raised several thousand dollars for various charities and other worth causes, including the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and the Terry Fox Foundation.
I’ve also met a lot of great Stamps fans, great football fans, and great people as The Silver Stampeder. It’s made me proud to sit among you all at McMahon. You are the best fans in all of the CFL, and the best people in the world.
Thank you to all of you who cheered with me, cheered for me, laughed with me, partied with me and noticed me. Thank you to all the kids who stared in wonder at my costume. Thank you to all the opposing fans who verbally jousted with me. Thank you to the tailgaters who showed up in all weather. Thank you to the police who patrolled the tailgate area for being understanding. Thank you to the players, past and present, for giving us all something to cheer about. Thank you to everyone who visited my web site, and actually took the time to read my rants and look at my pictures. Thank you to the charities who let me give of myself, despite looking a little different than the average donor.
A special thank you to the team who let this nutball use his devotion to your team catapult him to something special. They’ve helped with my causes, and humoured my silliness. I think there are a lot of organizations out there that would have ignored me or asked me to stop. You didn’t, and I thank you for that.
I want people to understand that I will never stop being a Calgary Stampeders football fan. I love the familiarity and intimacy of McMahon Stadium, and I love to sit there in the baking heat and the freezing cold. I love how loud it gets, and how passionate yet respectful our fans can be. I love the team colours, and I will always own a few Stampeders jerseys, and wear them proudly, win or lose.
But there’s one jersey that, come the end of this season, I won’t wear again.
As of the final game of this football season, The Silver Stampeder will be officially retired from active duty.

I will continue to buy season tickets, and I will continue to follow the Stamps. I won’t stop cheering. I will always be proud of my time as The Silver Stampeder, but I feel that it’s time to let him rest, and go back to attending games as simply another fan in the stands.
And so, for now, I will sign off as the Silver Stampeder. I hope to keep signing off that way until well into November, because nothing would make this better than to go out cheering a Grey Cup win.
Go Stamps Go.

September 11, 2006:
Well, I think I got a little carried away with the whole Battle of Alberta thing. It’s easy to do when you think you’re gonna sweep those pesky Eskies out of the playoff picture.
Can’t say I enjoyed the last game, and neither did my neighbours. I probably threw more f-bombs at the television screen in the first half than all the bleeps in South Park. It was very frustrating to watch this team revert to the sloppy play that had us all wringing our hands in woe earlier this season.
As I’ve always said, I don’t mind if the team loses – but I hate to see them lose because they didn’t put the effort in. But, I’ve managed to take a few steps back from the brink, and take some deep breaths. The Stamps are going to lose on occasion – it just sucks to lose to Edmonton. Always has, always will. Especially when the expectations were so high for the red and white!
Here’s hoping they get mad about their performance on Friday, and come out on fire a week later against a hot-and-cold Winnipeg team.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to talk about the direction of the Silver Stampeder. Over the years, I’vc really enjoyed bringing this character to life, and I like to think that I’ve done a lot of good with these big shoes of mine, from helping out charities and other worthwhile causes, to helping in my own way to make Stampeder games as much fun as possible. It’s been an outlet for me to bring some craziness out into the real world, and express myself in a way that I’d never imagined. But I’m starting to wonder just how much longer the Silver Stampeder will be around. I know there will come a day when I will go to a Stamps game just as myself, just to watch football. It’s not something I ever considered or even gave a moment’s thought to before… but these days, pulling on the big silver pants just doesn’t seem to hold the same promise of joy that it did before. Maybe I’m getting old.

September 7, 2006:
It's a wonderful time to be a Stamps fan.
The sun is shining, the Stamps are winning, the Esks are losing... what more could you ask for?
Yes, Labour Day 2006 was a glorious game, with only a few non-fatal flaws in the otherwise impervious Stampeder attack. I can't wait for the rematch!
I would go, but well, it's Edmonton. And really, who wants to drive 3 hours to watch, admittedly, what should be a very satisfying game, only to risk life and limb at LowestCommonDenominator Stadium, followed by another boring 3 hour drive home?
I think I'll just watch from home - it'll allow me to be more boisterous with my cheering! Go Stamps Go!

August 25, 2006:
So, anybody else have fun watching that game last night? If you said no, you're probably from Montreal.
I gotta tell you, despite some wacky calls to start the game, it was a joy to watch the Stamps dismantle the Alouettes last night. They were completely dominant on offense, on defense, and surprisingly, in the seldom-used category of trick plays.
You've gotta believe that Don Matthews is stewing just a little after being on the wrong end of four different gadget plays - a short kick, a fake punt, a reverse and a double reverse - not even counting the fake FG that was called back.
BTW, note to the officials: try rehearsing what you're going to say before you hit the button to mike up. And look around to see what city you're in.
At first, I - like most people - had no idea why the TD was called back. TSN's announcers were equally as confused, and the ref's call didn't help. Then, Dunnigan's explanation at the half just made it all the more muddled.
Thank gawd for QR77 - it only took 15 seconds to clearly and concisely explain the call for someone who knows football! Seems the snapper went downfield and made a tackle before the ball was flicked from the holder to Cates, which drew the penalty and erased the score. Too bad - it was a great play! But to see the Stamps follow that up almost immediately with the fake punt was wonderful! Dales did a brilliant job of faking out the defense, acting as though the ball had been shipped up and over him, and fooling everyone while we rumbled for the first down!
After a game like this, I can't wait to host Edmonton!

August 21, 2006:
Well, I might be a Stamps fan, but I won't be a Stamp player anytime soon.
Yes, yours truly was out at Cardel's Stamps Camp this past weekend, and while I had a blast, I'm sad to report that my team (Go Red!) came in second place, which means we didn't get one-day contracts with the Stamps for Sept 3rd.
But I would like to give a shout out to the Stamps and Cardel. It was a great way to spend a by week, and the players were great - very personable and friendly, and very understanding of the level of athleticism out there.
One thing to note, though: the Colts players who were helping out didn't seem to get that they were running a bunch of non-athletes through these drills! While the Stamps players understood that 3/4 speed was enough to waste most of us, the Colts seemed to be out to injure and insult at times. The QB at the tip/pickoff drill seemed to delight in lobbing the ball beyond the reach of even the most vertical of leaps, as did the tosser for the wet ball drill. As for the thugs on the running back drill, I don't think it was neccesary to throw those tackling blocks at people quite as hard as they did. I saw quite a few people being seated unexpectedly by a rough block or two. Hell, I had to take off my glasses, because the first run-though resulted in a shot to the head that bent my frames and popped a lens!
But all in all, it was great fun, and you can be sure, I'll be signing up again next year. But next year, I'm playing for keeps! That contract'll be MINE!
Now, since it's a bye week, here's my thoughts from around the league:
Esks/Leos - Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha! I'm going to be laughing for weeks! Hey coach, here's a hint. When you're on second down, with more than 10 seconds left, and you send out the kicking team for a game-winning FG, make sure to emphasize the idea of getting the kick off quickly, in case of a flub on the snap or hold. To send them out to waste off all the remaining time, and THEN botch the snap made me laugh! Heck, even the TSN announce team - who have at times, proven themselves to be completely and utterly useless when it comes to football knowledge - knew what to do in this situation! You lost that game, and it should have (shockingly) been an easy win at that point. Way to go!
Riders/Ticats - What's going on in Hamilton? You've got to think that Jason Maas is injured in some way or another - I just can't believe that he's played as poorly as he has, and been healthy. But honestly, does anyone out there think the cure for this is Eakin? Honestly, trade him for Kevin Feterik if you can! As for the Riders, now you know first-hand how durable Crandall can be! First start of the season, and he puts himself out for 4-6 weeks with a dislocated shoulder on the non-throwing arm. Funny, I recall some Rider fans talking about how great it was that they managed to land Crandall...
Argos/Als - what the hell was that? Seriously, I was expecting a resurging Als team to decimate the lumbering, blundering boatmen from TO. I was expecting a 7-1 team who was ticked off not to be 8-0. What we all saw was a 7-1 team who were relieved not to have to win all the time any more. Here's hoping they stay vulnerable for our rematch on Thursday!

August 17, 2006:
Remember how I said the Stamps would come out of this home-and-home with Montreal with at least one win? Man, am I glad they proved me right at McMahon!
I gotta tell you, that was one of the most fun games I've been to in a long time - definitely one of the best of the season! And that's tough to say, after the win over the 'Riders and with the impending jou of Labour Day...
But to be the spoiler on a 7-0 team... man, that's sweet! And congrats to Hank for getting offensive player of the week, and of course, big shout out to Sandrooooo DeeeeeAngelisssss! I've sent in video of those two kicks to Websters, so they can re-define "clutch"! Whoo!
It was a great feeling, watching the FG unti come out onto the field with so little time left, knowing they were going for the win by 3 rather than just settling for the rouge point through the end zone! The entire stadium was on their feet, and when it passed over and through the uprights, it was as if 30,000 Stamps fans were all touched by a live wire - it was nuts!
But I have to give props to the Als fans in attendance - I thought there would only be a few of them, but there were red, white and blue jerseys all over the stadium, with a big concentration in Section A. And of course, there were a few behind us... and to those of you who speak French, remember that not everyone in Calgary is uni-lingual! My wife's completely fluent, and apparently, these fellas behind us were beaking off a little, thinking no one understood. But when I let loose with my french jeer - "Calvillo! Vous jetez le football comme un petite fille francaise!", they suddenly considered that others in the area might understand them. Of course, that wouldn't include me, as I only know that phrase, and "je suis desole, je ne par parle francaise". For those of you as linguistically challenged as I am, it means 'sorry, I don't speak french'.
Well, the Stamps might have a well-deserved week off, but not this fan! That's right, I've been selected for Cardell's Stamp Camp, meaning I get a chance to go through the paces with 99 other lucky stiffs, for a shot at a one-day contract with the team. I gotta tell you, I'm pumped! If I'm one of the lucky 20 to move forward, I get to practice with the team on September thrid - yep, my birthday. How nice of a b-day gift would that be - a Stamps contract?!? It would get the place of honour on my yet-to-be-built basement bar, that's for darn sure!
The tryouts are on Saturday, and the wife and my dad will be there, snapping photos. I'll slap the best ones up on this site - but only if they make me look good out there!

August 7, 2006:
Finally, the Stampeders HAVE COME BACK to McMahon Stadium! Whoo!
Yessir, that is certainly a dose of what the doctor ordered. It doesn't mean all is well again, but it's certainly a step in the right direction.
The offense clicked, Joffrey was running roughshod, the special teams looked good (except for DeAngelis, but as good as he is, he can have a bad game now and then without hurting us too much), the defense was strong and great at getting to KJ, and even the secondary, which hasn't shown much lately, looked strong!
And man, there is NOTHING nicer than silencing all those Rider fans! Thanks for coming out, folks, and thanks for paying the increased ticket prices for this "premium" game - it'll help us sign more players! Ahahah!
Oh, and of course, it's always sweet to win the Tailgater of the Game award. It's all about the watermelon, baby! And yes, that five pounds of sausage is going to go to good use next week against the Als. You heard it here first - the Stamps are going to come out of this home-and-home series with Montreal with AT LEAST one win!

July 30, 2006:
I'm gonna keep this brief, because it's all negative.
Three very bad games, and I don't see anyone really getting pissed off about it.
Maybe that's because they didn't show up.

July 20, 2006:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOM!
Yes, it's the Big Dumb Jerk's birthday tomorrow, and what better way to celebrate than a Stamps game!
We'll be out tailgating nice and early, and if anyone from the Stamps organization is reading this, it'd be real nice if Jom won himself a Tailgater of the Game award, since it IS his birthday and all...
Sorry Jom, but my presence tends to spoil your chances, I know.
Anywhoo, here's hoping that game goes our way. BC hasn't looked sharp lately, but judging by the Hamilton game, we aren't exactly world-beaters right now. Let's hope we see more like the Sask game!
If anyone wants to wish him a happy birthday, we'll be in the usual spot around 1pm - just look for the big guy getting real drunk...

July 14, 2006:
Okay, you know me. I don't like to be negative when it comes to the Stamps - it makes the games less fun to watch when you're critiquing what's going wrong.
But dammit, that was a terrible game.
Sandro actually misses a FG, Dales schanks an important punt, Lewis drops ball all over the field on punt returns, Rambo and Burris look to be on completely different playbooks, there were stupid penalties galore...
But Buratto, this loss is on you.
Why on gawd's green earth, with 30 some-odd seconds left, and starting that close to your own goal, would you send ALL the recievers deep? Hank throws into the stands on first down, wasting off almost no time at all. Then, second down, having the QB run it for 8-9 yards? I'm a big fan of Hank, but he has a history of not being able to get that first down on the run. He ALWAYS ends up 1-2 yards short, especially when he slides. But even with that run, you end up punting on third down with a ton of time left! Man, how did you come up with THAT sequence?
One: If you're going to run on first down, and even the dipsticks calling the game for TSN knew you shouldn't, make sure Hank's got a dump option! At least get a FEW yards if the long bomb fails to develop! But then, if you fail and end up in third down deep with time remaining, what was the point of kicking? To my mind (and I acknowledge that hindsight is 20/20), kicking from the fringe of your own end zone is putting the ball within one quick first down of an easy FG. Perhaps, in this case, you might have been better off gambling?
I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. If you get it, you burn the time, and head to OT like you wanted. If you fail, yes, they get GREAT position, but they'll go for the TD. And in this game, the Stamps looked pretty good shutting down the red-zone for the Tabbies.
Hey, maybe they'd score a major. But who cares how you lose? You lost.
Bah.
I just hate to see a bad game like that, and I hate to hand the first win of the season to the TiCats. It seems like there are two Stamps teams - one that gets it done, and one that... wow, they're really, really bad.
Here's hoping we can get the good Stamps back in time to face BC here next week!

July 11, 2006:
I think Hank likes being booed.
Seriously, every time he goes into the pressure cooker that is Tayl... err, Mosaic Stadium, he comes out looking like the starting QB the Stamps need!
We oughta import some of those boobirds to keep him motivated... nah, Rider fans bug me too much!
But good on the Stamps for the whupping they handed out! I was expecting the Stamps to struggle in Saskatchewan, but they came out on fire, and despite letting things get away from them a little in the second quarter, regrouped and kept themselves in the game - and then some!
I was a little worried to see DMac taking the reins so early, but it looked like Hank wasn't hurting, and hell, Danny Mac didn't throw an INT, which always makes me happy!
And a note for Nic Lewis - that was the sweetest hurdle I've seen in a very long time! Whoo! That one brought me right up out of my seat - I thought for sure he'd nab an ankle and drag you down hard!
So, over all, good on 'em! I hope they can keep going through Hamilton!
Oh, and on the job front - still no luck. If you know anyone who's looking for a tech writer or copywriter or, hell, at this point, a burger flipper, let me know! This involuntary vacation is making me crazy!

July 3, 2006:
Happy Canada Day!
Sorry to have been so deliquent in my writings here - I know, I haven't said a word about the last-second loss to Edmonton, or the last-second win over the Ticats. Sorry!
Truth be told, I've been a little busy lately with non-TSS related issues - namely, job hunting.
Yes, The Silver One is handing out resumes again. Man, looking for work is a drag. Endless emails, phone calls, resumes and cover letters fired off in every concievable direction... it's enough to drive a man crazy!
Well, I'm keeping my hopes up. There's a startup that seems to be interested in yours truly - they've promised to get back to me in the next few days, with what I hope will be good news, and an end for this unscheduled "vacation"!
And now, for something completely different - football!
My my my, how the expectations for this team have plummeted! At the outbreak of the season, it was all talk about Grey Cups and a ton of wins. But so far, our beloved Stamps haven't shown us that side.
Want my criticisms? Well too bad, you'll get 'em anyways.
OFFENSE - Yikes. Against Edmonton, it was run on first down, long toss on second down, kick on third down, almost without exception. Variety may be the spice of life, but it's an essential element to a winning football club. Sure, Reynolds is a fantastic running back, but if the D knows he's getting the ball on 90% of first downs, it kind of takes away from his productivity, eh? Also, whoever is dictating Burris' targets isn't getting it. The constant long bomb is not working, but they keep going back to it. What does work? The short dump pass for 6-8 yards that they don't seem to look for! I know our receivers are great, and are capable of hauling in the big bombs, but more often than not, Burris has not been on target with the deep threat. Go more to short passes, and vary the pattern more. I haven't seen a single trick play this year! And while I keep hearing how Burris is always a slow starter, it doesn't make it any easier to watch passes being floated that become easy picks, or bullets thrown to spots that, according to the called pattern, a receiver ought to be occupying. Burris has to develop better sight on the field, and not rely on step-counting to "X-marks-the-spot".
DEFENSE - On the line, the Stamps just aren't getting the penetration they need. Thankfully, Hamilton's Jason Maas didn't seem to study the game film of the Edmonton game, or he would have realized that a few steps out the side of the pocket would have put him well outside the reach of the red menace. D-line needs to be more of a threat to the QB, and we need more sack production. As for the coverage... so far, we're bad at covering the short gain, and bad at stopping it from becoming a long run. I've seen a few guys get totally left behind in coverage so far this year, and what bugs me has been the cases where they throw up their hands, as if to say it's not their fault. I hope they all pull it together.
SPECIAL TEAMS - If the offense and defense need a role model, special teams is it. Our kicking game is strong, with Dales punting the heck out of the ball when called upon, and DeAngelis making every FG and EP look easy. When we get the ball, our return men look steady - nothing spectacular, and I would like to see one busted back for a TD this year - but on the whole, we could have done a lot worse. On the other side of the ball, our downfield coverage on punts has been great - the swarm has limited opposition runners to limited gains, not with lucky grabs but with solid containment.
Well, that's my thoughts. I promise, once I find a way to ensure the financial security, I'll have the energy to post more often in the evenings!

June 19, 2006:
YAH BABY!
No, I was not one of those bandwagon-jumpers to cheer on the Oilers. While I'll admit that yes, the Oil did great this year, it still gives me so much happiness in the cockles of my Calgarian heart to watch them lose. Let's just hope those goons who call themselves hockey fans in Edmonton don't stab anyone or burn anything or, gawd forbid, kill anyone on Whyte Ave tonight.
Oh, and yeah, the Stamps won. Whoo. It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was an ugly, ugly game, and I'm thankful that our boys in red were able to pull it together at the last minute. That's all I'll say about that - I'm staying positive about it!
CONGRATS HURRICANES!

June 13, 2006:
Well, I've had a few days to get better. I've been sick as a dog lately, and sitting in the rain to watch the Stamps' final pre-season game didn't help my mental or physical health.
Now, I know, it was only a preseason game, yadda yadda yadda. And while you never want to see your team getting kicked around like that, I do have to admit that I'd rather see them lose by thirty in the preseason when it doesn't matter, and be angry about it all season, than lose like that late in the year or in the playoffs, and sulk about all winter.
So, let's all take a deep breath, relax, let that game go (but don't forget about the lesson from it, boys!), and concentrate on our season opener against the seemingly struggling Eskimoes.
And while we're on the subject of Edmonton, let me get something off my chest. For the last few weeks, as the Oilers have made their miracle run to the finals, all I've heard is "support the Canadian team". I've seen more Oiler jerseys, shirts, hats and car flags in this city than I ever thought possible. And to all of you who could put aside your petty differences and cheer for the Alberta team, I say this:
Boo.
Sorry folks, but you're all wrong. You don't cheer for the bad guys just because they're the only option left. If you are a true Calgary fan (and this goes for Edmonton fans, too), you're more likely to cheer for Satan than our provincial rivals!
I could go on and on here, but I won't. Enough has been said already about this. So, here's hoping the 'Canes finish the job this week, and send the Oilers packing!
One more Edmonton-related comment. You Edmontonians who bragged about your Blue Mile... I don't wanna hear another word. You've proven that not only are you completely unable to behave yourselves, you're no where near having a Red Mile. We had fun-loving partygoers shouting Flames slogans with the occasional partial nudity. You have morons starting fires and stabbing each other. Two hundred arrests in one night? Be proud.
But yes, it's CFL time, so let's put hockey to bed, and get our concentration back on our Stamps. How well will they do this year? It depends on what came out of that horrible loss to BC. Are they mad? Then they'll do fine. But if they shrug it off, then it's going to be a looooong season

May 29, 2006:
So close you can almost taste the beer.
Yes, football fans, it's almost pre-season time, and excitement is high, even in Toronto!
Yes, the closest thing TO will ever get to an NFL franchise has arrived in the form of suspended NFL running back Ricky Williams. Yes, this drugged up and reportedly dried out superstar has landed with the Argos, and is ready to take the league by storm.
Excuse me if I don't swoon like a little girl at a Backstreet Boys concert here.
Williams, in my learned estimation, will be a great thing for the league in terms of ticket sales. Everyone in every city will want to witness the magic that is an NFL player running roughshod over the rest of our worn-out and broken down has-beens and ne'er-wills in the CFL, right?
But I don't expect that. I know that the haters decry the talent of our league, calling us bush league and all... but I think our players are well adapted to the CFL game. Will an NFL-style running back prosper here? Or will this be another failed US experiment? Regardless, I hear EDM is trying to get TO out of Dallas... just kidding.
But enough about Williams! Let's talk Stamps!
I know, it's far too early to see what sort of team has re-assembled from last year's surprise run to the playoffs. And I know better than to assume that last year will be repeated. Every team in the CFL got better with the death of Ottawa and willing of their worldly goods. Saskatchewan even got a quarterback! So to say that just because our boys in red did well last year will mean a repeat of past successes is short-sighted. I think competition will be stiffer than ever this year, and games are going to be more exciting that ten Super Bowls! Now, I don't want to oversell it, so we're just going to have to wait and see.
Of course, in my heart, I think the Stamps are like the Goodyear tire spokesman this year - we're going to Winnipeg!

April 11, 2006:
So, it's come to this.
Ottawa is gone - perhaps forever - and that means there are 65 players, give or take, looking for work. The CFL has announced a dispersal draft for tomorrow... and I've said it before and I'll say it again - I don't like it.
To be honest (and selfish), I've looked at the Ren roster, and there's not much there that the Stamps need. We'll be picking fourth overall, after Hamilton, Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. Now, those first three picks will more than likely be Joseph, Banks and Woodcock or Armstead. QB Joseph is the plum in an otherwise average pudding, but Hamilton isn't really looking for a QB right now, after dipsy-doodling Maas out of Edmonton. But you don't pass up that big of a fish just because you prefer chicken. Look for the TiCats to make some sort of deal with Saskatchewan for the out-of-work pivot, either in a pre-draft deal, or a quick turn-about right after the pick. Joseph could also be put to good use in Winnipeg, but something tells me they don't have the financial wherewithall to make an offer he can't refuse. The Ticats could use another good receiver, though, so look for them to walk away with Woodcock. Winnipeg with bite the bullet and pay Banks, Saskatchewan will - by hook or by crook - take Joseph home... so where does that leave the Stamps?
It means there'll be a good receiver left on the table, but to be honest, we've got more than our fair share. To draft a catcher right now is a gamble - will he be good enough to crack the roster? If, by some miracle, Winnipeg pulls in a receiver and Banks is left, I'd grab him, despite the reportedly high cost - you can't put a dollar sign on INTs.
More realistically, there are two guys from the RIPegades that'd I would like the Stamps to try for:
Ibrahim Khan, OL: Winnipeg has been quoted as calling him "a ratio breaker" because he is a Canadian who can start on the offensive line, freeing up an import at a skill position. The 6-ft. 4-in., 305-pounder is an impact player for most squads. At 25, the tackle could anchor a CFL o-line for another decade, and let's face it, the Stamps could use another quality o-lineman.
Val St. Germain, OL: Ditto. A solid Canadian veteran who could also become a ratio breaker. St. Germain was named Ottawa's top offensive lineman last year. Yes, at 34 his best years are behind him but would be a solid addition to the Stamps' lineup. He's my reserve choice, if by some miracle, we couldn't get Khan.
So why not Joseph, Banks, Woodcock or Armstead, you ask? Simply put, our QB situation is a glut already with go-to man Hank, voice-of-age-and-wisdom Danny Mac, and a horde of hungry youngsters. A oft-picked off QB with more yards rushing than throwing ain't in the cards.
Banks? As I said, INTs you can never turn down, but I think our D-unit is pretty solid, and while you could slot him in, I'd rather have a new safety.
And the receivers? That's the one area that we definitely don't need help in! We have an embarassment of riches lining up five-wide, and Woodcock or Armstead would just be another face in the crowd. A good face, true, but either would be too big-money to just blend into the current talent.
But hey, that's just me. I'm just the crazy guy, right?
The thing that still bugs me is the possibility of Ottawa returning next year, and raiding our talent to re-do their roster. Our strengths may keep us from grabbing one of their marquee guys, but it may make us vulnerable when the re-distribution comes next season.

March 31, 2006:
April fools?
Reports abound that the Stamps and Esks have made a trade. Funny, I looked out the window, and I didn't see hell freezing over...
The deal? A third-round draft pick to the Esks, and in return, the Stamps get...
Danny McManus?!?
Okay, there's a lot of different thoughts here. One, I think this is more proof for the pile that the "post-season trade" between the Esks and the Ti-cats was a joke. Maas for OL Bakker and a third-rounder? No way, Jose. But throw Troy Davis into the mix, and that makes a little more sense. Edmonton only agreed to take McManus to make payroll room for the incoming QB. And it still fries me, because that trade is the number one reason I hear from unfans about why the CFL is bush-league... and they're right.
Second, whoo - we get an old QB whose glory days are so far in the past that most of the current Stamps roster has only been around as long as he's sucked. Last year in Hamilton, he went 202 for 361 (56%) in 14 games, for 2,540 yards. Yes, we all know he's got a strong arm. But with only 11 TDs and 18 INTs, and an overall QB rating of 67.41, is THIS the man we think is going to help us - as a backup - for the years to come?
If Danny Mac is second in line to the QB throne, then which young heir apparent is headed for the gallows? Wimprine? Harris? Gesser? All young, all unproven, but wouldn't you hate to see one of them grow into their own with another team?
All in all... well, it is March 31st - maybe this is just an April Fool's Day joke. A horrible, horrible joke.

March 29, 2006:
Whoo! It's been a while! But all this talk about the Ottawa Renegades has shaken the Silver Stampeder from his winter slumber! What in good graces is going on in the nation's capital?
You'd think F-Troop went east or something... oh wait, it's the Gliebermans, right. Who needs F-Troop?
So, is this the end of Ottawa football - again?
News today that head coach and all-'round stylin' dude John Jenkins was handed his walking papers today, joining the embarassing ranks of coaches who were fired before they ever set foot on the sidelines. As far as I know, that's a club of one.
And as much as I groaned when they hired the Stamps old failure, I feel for the guy. He looked like he was going to at least give it the old college try, and in the end, that's all you can really ask for. And who knows, it might have worked.
But, with mere weeks to go to training camp and no coaching staff, I think we can pretty safely bid adieu to the 'Gades. It's a pity, really, but I really hope the CFL learns a lesson in all of this (and no, it's not Don't Trust Glieberman - if they haven't learned THAT by now, they're hopeless!)... I hope they've come to terms with the fact that Ottawa doesn't deserve a football team.
Harsh, I know. I've met a lot of great football fans in the nation's capital, but obviously, a CFL team is not a priority for the majority of sports fans in town. And it's not as though they haven't tried to get interest. Hell, there have been two teams out there!
And don't cry me a river about crappy ownership - we Stamps fans have been there, done that, and we still went to games. Bad team? Tell that to Roughrider fans (no, not your old team the Rough Riders - I mean Saskatchewan fans) who have gone oh, so long without much at all to show for it.
No, sadly, Ottawa just doesn't seem to be a football town, and that's okay. Not every place is suited to the game.
Now, a proposal by the owner of the Edmonton Cracker-Cats (what's up with that name? I can't decide if it's offensive...) really caught my eye - take the Rens, close 'em down for a year, and ship 'em out to Halifax for 2007. If the city could come up with a stadium in time, I'm all for that!
The one thing that, from a local standpoint, really bugs me is the dispersal draft. Of course, all the old Ren players will need a place to go. My guess is, about 40% will catch on with other CFL clubs. Most, sadly, won't be drastic enough of an improvement over what each team has now, and status quo means out you go. But that's life.
However, when and if Ottawa comes back, there'll be another draft, where the newly revived team will raid the other teams for a roster. And do you think they'll only take back those 40% of players who caught on somewhere else? No hope. In our case, the Stamps might pick up one or two players from the Rens... and then lose four or five the next year! Will the three we gain be good enough to cover the five we'll lose? I highly doubt it!
But, to paraphrase a Simpsons episode quoting a famous movie, no owner and no coach make Renegades go away.
And makes the CFL look like a joke of a league - again.

March 6, 2006:
Sorry for the slack showing on this blog - it's been a busy time! Yes, we got the house, and no, I won't tell you where it is! We're all moved in, and despite a shortage of furniture (that's what happens when you go from 350 sq ft to 1800!) we're all settled in. And of course, it's been a busy time at work, with lots of new features on rapid release cycles that are keeping this tech writer busier than a vacuum cleaner on the red carpet! Whoo!
Now, to football. First off, three cheers for Coach Flanders! Yes, Tom Higgins is coach of the year in the CFL. Hey, anyone who can take a team as bad as the Stamps were the previous season, and take them to hosting a playoff game deserves a lot of credit! Good job!
Now, the season's starting to creep ever closer, and rest assured, I'll be posting more often as the fever hits!

January 9, 2006:
Well, it's an exciting time around the Silver Stampeder household. The big deal? The idea that we might actually get a household! Yes, we've decided it's time to leap into the housing market before our fair city prices itself forever out of our price range, and relegates us to a lifetime of rentals. So, here's hoping. We've got some irons in the fire as we speak, and one optimistic agent has suggested that we might be looking at houses as early as next week! Stay tuned, but if you don't know where I live now, don't expect to be invited to the housewarming party (unless you promise to bring a really nice gift).
As for football news, well, the CFL is down for the year, but it's nice to see former Bomber Mike Sellers get in there for the Washington Redskins. But, well, a former CFLer isn't enough to make me cheer for them.
I was really hopeful that we would see a Manning vs. Manning Super Bowl, but alas, little Eli couldn't pull it out. Not that blame should rest solely on his shoulders - the Giants as a whole stunk out the joint. So, I'm hoping to see Seattle move forward, and I think Indianapolis and New England will fall by the wayside. Why hate the favourites? Simple - Indy coasted into the playoffs by yanking all their starters - and to me, that spells rust. I don't think they'll be able to shake the sleep mode, and they'll go down hard. New England bugged me this weekend by keeping Brady in far too long in a game that was never in question. One look at Carson Palmer should be enough to remind NFL coaches that inflated stats for a whiny QB who doesn't want to sit aren't worth having ol' Doug Flutie at the controls for a playoff game! (I know, they've got some kid to back up Brady, but we all know if Tom goes down, Doug will see some action, other than dropkicks). Now, don't get me wrong - I like Tom Brady. I like his team-first attitude, most of the time. But seeing him in the game that late, with that big of a lead, makes me think a big ol' dose of karma is gonna land on Brady like a ton of bricks - or like a lineman.
So, that's my NFL wrap-up. Man, I can' wait for the CFL season to start up again!

January 3, 2006:
Well, here's hoping y'all had a happy set of holidays. Of course, it's over now, so get to work!
How was my holidays, you ask? I'll tell you, despite all the wonderful times spent with family and friends over this festive season, the actions of some jerk two days ago have kind of put me in a sour mood.
Seems some immature little punk decided to throw a rather large rock through the front passenger window of the Silver Stampedermobile, sometime between January 1st @ 9pm and January 2nd @ 10am. Happy freakin' new year.
The funny thing is, the loser ransacked the centre console in the front seat, but didn't take anything - including the wad of Canadian Tire money. Leads me to believe that they were looking for something in particular, although I'll be damned if I know what that could be. What worries me is there's another maroon-coloured late 80's Buick in the parking lot of my building, and I think that someone might have been smashing the wrong car.
Whatever. The good folks at Economy Glass on 17th Ave SW are replacing the window as we speak, so here's hoping karma takes over two hundred bucks outta that rock-tossing wanker!
Oh, and my new year's resolution? I'm bucking the trend of the last few years, where I resolved (successfully) to drink more, smoke more, sleep more and eat more bad food. This year, my goal is just to be in better shape. Yes, after running and biking 302km, I've kind of fallen off the fitness routine in favour of an all-vegetable existence. No, not eating veggies - acting like them. Specifically, a couch potato. Now, I ain't planning anything crazy like the run, but it would be nice to get rid of this keg and make strides towards a six-pack of my very own!

November 29, 2005:
Back from the Grey Cup in Vancouver, and I think we spent nearly as much time in the car as we did partying! Next time, I'm flying. But as is the custom, here's the rundown on the events of this past Grey Cup.
November 24th - Jen and I worked a half day, coming in very early to get our affairs in order before running out for a little last-minute shopping prior to the trip. My good buddy Sean (yes, Gomer Strawchuck himself) and his wife Trish were coming with us, and had crashed at our place the night before. So, while we worked, they packed the car in anticipation of our departure.
So, we're off. Well, kinda. We had a hankering for some Peter's Drive In, which while in the exact opposite direction, wasn't too far off the beaten path. Unfortunately, construction delays made the short hop over to Peter's into a very long wait, but we finally made it out of Calgary around 12:30 in the afternoon. We were looking at about a 700km trip today, from Calgary to Kamloops, where we were spending the night with friends of Sean's, before continuing on to Vancouver in the morning.
The drive itself was fairly uneventful on Thursday. The roads between here and there were pretty clear, and with Sean's, shall we say, heavy foot, we made Kamloops in just over five and a half hours. Since this was much, much earlier than our hosts were expecting, we decided to dash into town for a quick bite to eat, and to see if we could find a bottle of wine as a gift. Well, we made the mistake of stopping for food at a little pub attached to a casino in town. Worst service ever. The woman who served us was rude, condescending and once our food arrived, did her best to ignore us completely. Bah. But, we tried not to dwell on it, and ran over to the next door mall in search of a liquor store. Whoops, they're all closed. I guess six is late in Kamloops. Well, strike two. Let's head back to the car before anything else hap.... oh my gawd, is that a parking ticket?
Yes, little towns have active Impark lots too.
So, itching to put a little distance between us and what we hoped was an isolated area of bad vibes, we made our way to our nightly pit stop, managing to find a liquor store at the last minute of our approach to the house.
When we got there, Jen and I were so tuckered out (remember, we were up early for work) that we pretty much just crashed.
November 25th - We started out nice and early. Since Sean and Trish had stayed up a little later than us to gab with their friends, I took the wheel for what was supposed to be an easy three hour jaunt into Vancouver.
Well, the weather thought otherwise. It snowed on the Cocuiholla highway.
For more than two hours, the visibility was no more than fifty feet, and the roadway was almost entirely covered with the white stuff. Now, thankfully, I'm not a nervous driver in winter - all you have to do is be cautious. There was ample evidence that this isn't common knowledge, especially on the other side of the road, where trucks and cars alike seemed to be sliding uphill. But, we did survive the drive. The end of the mountains spelled the end of the snow, and rain took it's place. Thankfully, at least the roads weren't icing up, and despite a long line of meaningless traffic as we neared the edge of the city, we arrived, just a little too late for the Calgary pancake breakfast. Bah.
So, Jen and I were dropped off at our hotel, the Crowne Plaza, and managed the check-in with few difficulties, which was surprising, considering we had reserved our room in February through a third-party provider. The hotel itself was quite nice, but we were a little shocked when we got to our room - to say it was tiny would be an understatement so large, that it would not fit in the room! It was slightly bigger, in total, than our bedroom back home, which is to say is was perhaps a hundred square feet, plus a bathroom. But it was well-equipped and nicely decorated, and since this was only a place to store our gear and catch a few zzz's between parties, we decided to make the best of it.
We did a little sightseeing in downtown Vancouver, and got ourselves fairly lost in the process. But the thing that amazed me, as we wandered aimlessly, was the immediate and visible difference between this year and 1999.
There were signs of the Grey Cup everywhere we went. People in BC Lions jerseys and Grey Cup attire, fans from all over the country in their team colours, and a festive atmosphere that was completely missing in the past.
We met back up with Sean and Trish, and cabbed our way down to Beatty Street, home of much of the Grey Cup festivities. We found a little pub with some room in the back, and called our Vancouver friend Elsie to come join us for some drinks.
Well, as is the Grey Cup tradition, we drank and drank and drank. Elsie and her beau took us to a little blues bar that for the life of me, I can't recall the location of. Sean and Trish begged off early, still feeling the effects of a late night the day before, while Jen and I stayed until the place was good and crowded with Elsie. We ordered a few pizzas, since the bar didn't seem to have a kitchen of it's own, and when I was good and drunk, we wandered back to the hotel for some much needed rest.
November 26th - I woke up in less than mint condition on Saturday morning, but I've felt worse after nights on the town during Grey Cup festivities. I managed to shake off the worst of the headache and don the Grey Cup costume. It was parade time! This was the first year in a long time that I was actually able to watch the parade from the sidelines and enjoy myself. We found a pretty good spot along Cambie Street that had the distinctive flaw of being completely shaded from the warming sunshine. The parade itself was pretty good, except for a few flaws. One, the spacing was awful, meaning the parade took over two hours. We left before the Grey Cup even passed us by, because we just grew too tired of standing. I blame Pam Anderson, personally. She was the parade marshall - she should have had more control over things! As it was, she was too busy getting mugged by the media and trying to look as though she'd fared a little better than I had the previous night (the sunglasses helped).
But the thing that really got my goat were the clowns that ran along the parade route with handfuls of balloons. They were doing balloon animals for the kids, and then charging the parents a buck for it. I thought that was pretty freaking tacky, teasing the kids with the balloons and then hitting the parents for money. That left a bad taste in my mouth.
But otherwise, the parade was fun. I think I entertained a lot of the people who were actually in the parade, and a lot of people stopped to have their photo taken with the Grey Cup.
Well, after watching all we could of the parade, we headed back down to Beatty Street to check out the block party and the CFL Reebok Experience. Really, there wasn't a whole helluva lot down there - a few vendors, but nothing crazy. So, we stopped in to see the exhibits, and tried our luck at virtual quarterbacking - I blame my poor performance on the machine. We also went to the Plaza of Nations, and while Sean and Trish took in the tail end of the cheerleading competition, Jen and I wandered about, with the occasional cheerleader getting their photo with me. We ended up in the Saskatchewan hospitality room, and despite all the bad things I've had to say about Rider fans this year, we were greeted warmly. It seems, with a few sad exceptions, that Grey Cup brings out the best CFL fans, and everyone is friendly towards each other, regardless of rivalries and the like. It was nice to see.
So, having finished a few bevvies at the Rider room, we took off towards the Roxy, home of the Montreal Huddle. Sadly, once we got there, we were turned away. Turns out you had to buy tickets in advance, and they'd sold out days ago. Too bad the program for the Grey Cup festivities failed to mention that! So, we wandered back to our respective hotels, and prepare for the upcoming evening. Not that we did anything too crazy - we went down to the Party on the Pacific tent, and drank beer, collected beads and glowsticks, listened to a cover band who ranged from decent to stupid and left the ladies to get hit on every single time we stepped away from the table! So, to the fella who told my wife he could convert her to a Lions fan in "just one night" and his ilk - get a life! We left pretty late, and stumbled back to the hotels, but not before the first of far too many Eskie fans decided to show me, once again, why I don't like Eskie fans.
Most of the people, as I've said, come to Grey Cup and behave. Sure, we'll poke fun at each other's teams, but it's good natured. But not Eskie fans. Sorry to you if you're one of the good ones, but all I ever seem to find are the bad ones. I find the drunkest, loudest, most arrogant arses ever to disgrace the face of the planet. And let's just say, upon seeing my wife carrying a little Als flag, they decided to call her a few names that, had I not been in a cab already, would probably have started a very large fight.
There was no need for it - it was completely uncalled for and disgusting, and I hope he continued to spew stupidity out of his trash-hole in the wrong direction, and I hope someone broke his jaw for it. I know, I know, not all Eskie fans are the same, just like any team in any league anywhere. But if you're from Edmonton, man, you've got a lot of reasons to be ashamed of how your fans acted in Vancouver.
November 27th - Well, we'd put the ugliness with the moronic Esk fan out of our heads - it was Grey Cup, today at last! I got myself all Silver Stampedered up, and we hit Beatty Street once again. As per usual, the getup got it's share of attention, and all told, I think there's a few hundred people out there with pictures of yours truly on their memory cards. We met up with Sean and Trish, and after a quick drink in the Rider room, we wandered across the street to BC Place. We had heard that the security was going to be pretty tight for the big game, and that everyone was getting searched on the way in. And since I look a little crazy, we figured we'd be better off going early and avoiding the huge lineups just minutes prior to game time. Of course, they searched me - not that I had anything bad on me - and then their eyes fell on the gigaphone. Gulp.
Now, back in Edmonton, I'd almost lost my gigaphone to security, who were worried I would be yelling into people's ears with it. Funny, they didn't seem to have the same concern for all the Eskie fans with those big plastic horns, but that's besides the point.
As we had been coming up to the stadium earlier in the day in BC, a security gal had walked over to us, and asked about the gigaphone.
"Is that thing loud?" she asked. Oh no. Was she going to tell me that I couldn't bring in my mouthpiece? So, at her request, I shouted a few things, but I cranked down the volume first so as not to make it overpowering. But as it turns out, she wasn't concerned about my noisemaker in the stadium.
After my demonstration, she asked "okay, now can you yell out "Hi Pinkie; Rock on!"?
So, as this new security guy eyed my toy, I felt my stomach drop away. Please don't take it, please don't take it...
He leaned in....
"So, just don't yell in people's ears with that thing, right?"
Whew. Off the hook again.
So in we went. It's a huge stadium, and I should know - our tickets were one row away from the very top of the whole building! Seriously, behind us was one more row, then a concrete wall! That was it!
Thankfully, we were kind of in the corner of the stadium, so we still had a pretty good view of the field, tiny as it was from that height. So, we loaded up with pizza from the concourse and $7.50 beers, and settled in for the game.
And man, what a game. 60,000 people going absolutely insane, but a bit of a stinker of a first half. So, here comes halftime, and the moment that, apparently, a lot of people had been waiting for - the Black Eyed Peas!
...at least I think that's who it was. Sitting waaaaaay up back as I was, I heard some muffled shouting and what could have been singing, but I'm really not sure. So, kinda pointless for me.
But then the game started back up again, and from that point on, whoo, we had ourselves a battle! Back and forth and back again! And that play where Cavillo caught his own tip and tried to whip it downfield, only to have what looked like a sure TD dropped? The place was shaking!
But sadly, when it came down to the final gun, the Esks had won. Now, I did the noble thing, and shook a few hands of those who wore green and gold, but it certainly hurt to watch them celebrating on the field, and it hurt even more to have to listen to those Eskie fans. I even had small green and gold children yelling mocking statements at me. Well, gotta start 'em young in Edmonton, I suppose. Here son, go laugh in that guy's face.
But it was a helluva game, no doubt about it.
As we left BC Place, we started up Robson, which was quickly overrun with fans, bringing the road and all crossroads to an utter standstill. You would think the city would have been a little better prepared for this eventuality, but they didn't appear to think about what to do with 60,000 people trying to fit on the sidewalks. For the most part, the fans were all pretty friendly and in good moods, except for a couple of jerks who thought it would be funny to take a photo of themselves in front of a sleeping homeless guy. Funny thing is, the only people who stepped up to tell them to leave the poor guy alone were Calgary fans.
We kept going up and up Robson, trying to find somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Naturally, most sports pubs, bars and the like were filled to the brim and beyond, so we kept looking until we got to this little place called Savory Coast. It was fairly unbusy, but we didn't figure out why until we got in there. Whoops, fine dining. But, remarkably, they let us in, despite wearing our "Sunday best" of football attire, and served us as though we were normal folks. The food was remarkable, and we decided that from now on, after the Grey Cup game, we would all go out for a fine dining experience to try to match this one. Honestly, if you're reading this in the Vancouver area, go to Savory Coast - 1133 Robson Street. It was a fantastic meal!
And so, after consoling ourselves in ahi tuna and lamb chops with a few pitchers of sangria for a few hours, we ventured back towards our hotels, and a decent night's sleep before the big drive home.
Unfortunately, we came across more Eskie fans.
As we walked down Robson, there was a commotion kitty-corner to us, with a lot of screaming coming from some bushes. There was me, Jen, two 'Rider fans and a normal looking couple standing at the corner, waiting for the light to change. We all eyed each other, and stared at the bushes nervously. Finally, the lights changed, and we were moving away from the disturbance when the Eskie fans, who had been making the noise, slowly began to appear from the bushes.
"Kill all Calgary fans!" they screamed, at no one in particular. Thankfully, we were a good half block away by this point, and I don't think they saw us. If they had, I'm afraid that the walk home wouldn't have been very pleasant at all.
Thankfully, we avoided them long enough to scamper back to our hotel, and relative safety. Now, we were staying in a very nice hotel, and obviously, I wasn't the only one who thought so. The Als were staying there as well, and appeared to be having a sort of gathering on the second floor. A few of the family members were on the elevator with us, and while I certainly can't describe their mood as jubilant, they seemed to be in good spirits. We wished them a good night, and hit the hay.
November 28th - Sean and Trish picked us up from the hotel around 9am Vancouver time, and we started the long trek back to Calgary. Of course, before we left, the hotel maid had to tell us about how upset she was that the Als lost, because they had all signed her book, and how she hadn't watched the game but when she heard that the Als were losing she prayed to God but it didn't do any good, even though they all signed her book, and it made her so f**king mad...
So, it was a good time to leave.
The ride home was long, and rather uneventful. It took about 10.5 hours to get back to Calgary, with a few bathroom breaks thrown in for the gals. But by the end, hooo boy, did it feel good to be home!
Well, that's it for this season, boys and girls. Stay tuned for next season, and another exciting year of Stampeders football!

November 20, 2005:
So, who wants some Grey Cup tickets?
Well, you're not getting mine - I'm still going, despite having to watch the Eskimos.
I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed not to see the Stamps in the big game, but I guess them's the breaks. But I do have to say that watching the Western Final was pretty annoying. If this doesn't get the league interested in instant replay, then they really didn't care about the Grey Cup's profitability for Vancouver.
Well, if I can't cheer for the Stamps, at least I can cheer against the Esks.
Go Als Go!

November 10, 2005:
THREE MORE WINS.
Now, everyone else is encouraging calm and rational behaviour. Don't overlook Edmonton, they say. The Esks are tough. It's gonna be a war. Let's not even TALK about the Western Final, let alone the Grey Cup.
I say, thhpt! Full speed ahead! Man the torpedos! The Esks are going down! Whoo!
Will it be a war? Hell yes. Is it winable? Absolutely! Are we going to the Grey Cup? Well, let's just say I've already bought my ticket out west to Vancouver!
I'm through being calm and worrying about jinxing the team! Sure, it'll be hard to read this over again come Monday if the Stamps lose, but they won't! This is the team that went from the very lowest of lows, and they're going to complete the fairy tale on Sunday and whomp those Eskies even worse than last week! There's all this talk that the Esks are mad, that they're going to come out with a fire in their bellies. Well, to quote Bart's dance teacher, you need more than belly fire! The Stamps are going to rumble all over Edmonton, and then it's straight to BC, baby! Look out Lions, here comes the underdog-turned-juggernaut!
I'll be there on Sunday, and if you live within a 100km radius of the stadium and decide not to show up, you suck. I know, harsh words. But this is a playoff game, and we're going to win! Come on out and support our team! Show 'em who the REAL best fans in the league are! Go Stamps Go!
...gawd, it feels good to believe again.

October 31, 2005:
Four more wins.
That's all the Stamps need in order to hoist the Grey Cup in little under a month in Vancouver, and you know something?
They could do it.
I'll keep this brief - great win over Winnipeg this weekend. The team really looks like they're gelling at the right time. Here's hoping they steamroll the Eskies on Sunday, and give us a home playoff game for the first time in a loooong time!
Oh, and don't come here looking for comments on the Trevis Smith thing. I ain't touching that one with a ten-foot pole!
Happy Halloween!

October 24, 2005:
Well, I gotta say that I'm glad I watched that game on Sunday, rather than tuning in to my NFL Sunday Ticket like I do every other Sunday. I don't think I would have believed that game without seeing it myself!
Whoo! What a finish!
But it's not all great - the Stamps came out stale in the first half. Not to harsh on the good vibes coming off the win, but they stunk so bad in the first half that even the Rider fans looked sympathetic!
Well, not too sympathetic.
I would say the behaviour of the Riders fans in attendance on Sunday was as expected - they were loud, rude and brash. No biggie. But I do take issue with TSN's coverage of the melee in the stands, going as far as to show signs refering to bestiality and containing swearing, although not the big three, as Marge Simpson would say.
Completely without taste - just like the commentating. Once again, I muted the TV and turned on QR77 for the play-by-play.
But kudos to the Stamps for shaking off a brutal first half and coming out with a fire in the third quarter. The defense and special teams, especially, looked like players possessed out there late in the game. If we keep playing like that, we're going to go a long ways in the playoffs...
Ahh, the playoffs. The forgotten land. It's so nice to be able to say "clinched a playoff spot" and "Calgary" in the same sentence again. Thank you, new owners!
But this is no time to rest on our acchievements - we have two games left against Winnipeg and Edmonton. We are currently two points behind the Eskies for second in the West. If we win both games and Edmonton loses both, we get second. If we win both and Edmonton wins their other game, then we tie, and we'd be 2-1 in the season series with the Esks - second place again for us!
So it's all up to us - we don't have to wait and depend on someone else losing like Saskatchewan does now (Go 'Gades!) - we control our own destiny.
Here's hoping destiny means a home playoff berth, and a trip out to Vancouver - I've already got my tickets!

September 23, 2005:
Three-peat!
Yes, it was cold last night in McMahon, but the Stamps were hot! The team was firing on all cylanders, with only a few exceptions:
Kori Dickerson did not look good out there, and I've yet to be impressed by this highly-touted receiver. He's got hands of stone, and doesn't seem to give too much effort on the field. I'm hoping he's just taking his sweet time adjusting to the Canadian game...
Jason Gesser went down hurt last night, and performance aside, I hate to see anybody get hurt. Here's hoping the high ankle sprain heals quickly and strongly. That being said, a return to health should not mean a return to starting at QB. True, he's a backup thrown into a starting role, but how come Danny Wimprine isn't using that excuse? D-Wimp looked like a seasoned vet last night filling in for Gesser, and he didn't have any time to prepare! Wimprime impressed last night, and he should keep the starting job until Burris gets back - I think he'll be a very competent backup, and hopefully will grow into Hank's job when the time comes. A lot to expect, based on one game against a free-falling Eastern team, but Calgary's used to pinning high hopes on quarterbacks. Guesser either needs more time in the understudy position, perhaps. Or maybe he's just not starting QB material.
I know, a lot of negative thoughts there. Sorry, can't help it sometimes.
But the good news is, Calgary is 7-6 and the playoffs, once thought to be a pipe dream this season, are not firmly within reach.
Best case scenario? Calgary beats Montreal, Hamilton, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and Edmonton, ending up 12-6. That would mean beating both the Riders and the Esks, which would give us the season series in both battles, in case of a tie in the standings. 12-6 means we're in the playoffs, and maybe - just maybe - will get us a home playoff game. As it stands now, we're in second in the West.
More likely, we'll lose at least once along the way, probably to Montreal or Edmonton, but I don't see the Stamps finishing worse than 10-8. Saskatchewan still has to deal with Toronto, BC twice, Montreal and us. They're 6-6 right now, and using my assumptions as a guide, they can't lose more than two games to stay in the Western playoff race. It'll be a tough go for the Riders.
But what about hosting a playoff game? Edmonton is currently in second, and still has games remaining against BC twice, Hamilton, Toronto, Saskatchewan and Calgary. They're 7-5. They'll also need to win at least three to keep pace with expectations for Calgary, and have tough games coming up against the Lions, Argos and of course, us. Not to mention their current losing streak.
And speaking of losing streak, let's not forget the playoff options offered to us by the meak East division via crossover. Montreal (5-6), Ottawa (5-8) and Hamilton (2-10) aren't exactly making it tough right now, meaning even if Sask and Edm keep pace with us, there's always the option of knocking Ottawa or Montreal (who are we kidding, Hamilton's gone) out of the Eastern playoff run.
But it's all speculation, for now. We'll have to keep an eye on this weekend's games to get a slightly more clear picture of how close the Stamps are to returning to the playoffs.

September 19, 2005:
Well, it's been a long time since the last update, and I hope you'll forgive me - I'm a little run down.
Bad pun, but it's true.
For those of you who've seen www.labourdayclassic.com, you'll know all about my crazy exploits. For those of you who missed it, I ran the game ball from the Labour Day Classic up to Edmonton in time for the rematch.
And now, I hurt.
But at least now, I have a chance to stop, catch my breath, and prepare for the stretch drive. Who'd have thought the Stamps would still be in it?
Well, most of Calgary, that's for sure.
Now, that's not to say the Stamps have been great in the last two games: in fact, the Labour Day rematch was an ugly game that Edmonton gave away, and while beating Hamilton should be no sweat, the boys sure made it seem difficult for a while.
But we're 6-6, and even without Smilin' Hank, I think we've got a shot at the playoffs in a few different scenarios.
-What I consider the most likely option, we do well down the stretch with a relatively easy schedule, while Saskatchewan flounders under the "leadership" of Crandall and the pressures of a very tough list of opponents. We get the last playoff spot in the West, and face a very tough Eskimo team in Edmonton for the semis.
-Less likely, we rock the rest of the season while Edmonton expands on their current two game losing streak. They lose their hold on second place, and we host either the Esks or Riders in McMahon for the semis.
-Even less likely (although a lot of this depends on the QB situation), we pull a Hamilton for the rest of the year, let the Riders in for the last playoff spot in the West, and do the crossover to the East, knocking Ottawa out and taking on Montreal for the semis.
-And most unlikely of all, we bomb like Dubya in Baghdad, the Riders go in for the West, and the Bombers move to the East, and we ponder bringing back Kevin Feterik.
But does any of this matter? Isn't it going to be the Lions and the Argos in the Grey Cup anyways?
We'll have to wait and see. It's too early for me to trot out my playoff predictions!

July 24, 2005:
Ooooooooh, what a rush!
Now that's what I was waiting for! Whoo! What a game!
The Stamps came out and performed in every department, bar none! Hank looked strong and confident in the pivot position, the receivers were sure-handed and went for the extra yard on the second effort every time, the run game was unstoppable, the kicking proved to be the best in the league thus far, and the dee and special teams were dominant! Whoo!
Break it down now:
Henry Burris shut those Riders fans up, and quick! Despite a few bad decisions, including that INT he lobbed up, I thought he put in a solid effort. He ran when he could, handed off when they weren't expecting it, and passed at will. This is the Henry Burris we've all been waiting for!
The receivers... Copeland, Rambo, wow. They were there when Burris needed him, and looked like the stellar group they are, finally! They came into this game fired up, and made the Riders D, which was supposed to bury them, look like obstacles rather than mobile players!
The O-Line did a pretty good job of giving Hank time in the pocket, and when the rush did get through, they were good at giving him the time to scramble, and blocking out for the run.
The run game was unstoppable! Reynolds was like a phantom, slipping through the Rider D like the wind, twisting and blowing past before they even noticed him. Whoo! There were a few plays where he seemed to be slammed up in the backfield, only to turn back at the last moment and rush up another lane for big gains!
The defence showed their dominance, once again! (By the way, note to Riders fans: that fumble WAS a fumble! Nealon released the ball while still in the backwards motion, probably from the fear of seeing big Red D rumbling down on him like a landslide!) The dee was great at rushing Greene, hauling down receivers and stopping up the running lanes!
The special teams were great! Decent gains on almost every return, and keeping the Riders to little or no gains on their return attempts, save one or two.
And finally, but not lastly, the kicking. Sandro is a kicking phenom! Mr. Perfect hit some AMAZING kicks that made McCallum look like a fan drawn out of the stands for a Kick To Win contest. Let's hope SD can keep the streak alive in BC!
And I've got to say something here about the fans in attendance at last night's game. There were, by my guess, around 15,000 green Rider fans at McMahon last night (by the way, all of the tickets you bought equalled enought to pay for Hank's salary for the year! Thanks!) I've got to give them credit for the tailgate party they threw at Foothills - impressive amount of organization! But sadly, Rider fans, you've got an image problem. I'll grant you that most Rider fans are decent people who were there to watch the game. Unfortunately, it's the bad (watermellon) seeds who taint the whole experience. Yes, those Rider fans who get drunk and start fights. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you're one of those Rider fans, go back to Regina and stay there. We don't want you here. You're pathetic, annoying and boorish.
And a big thumbs-down to all the Rider fans sitting in Section M who, rather than show a modicum of respect and sing along with our national anthem, chose to shout Rider slogans like a bunch of morons. You should be ashamed! I sure was...
At any rate, a first-class effort from my Stamps! Keep it up, boys! And don't listen to those Rider fan excuses - you whupped 'em! Fair and square! Go Stamps Go!

June 9, 2005:
This comes as no surprise to me - the Stamps have made some cuts. There's two I don't know much about - defensive backs Jeremy Pearl and Nashville Dyer, but the other four are fairly high profile - receivers Denis Montana, Kenyatta Morgan and Sulecio Sanford, and quarterback Darnell Kennedy.
Of course, we seem to have a glut of receivers - Copeland (superstar), Juhasz, Jenkins, Nik Lewis (the future of the Stamps recieving corps), local guy Ralph, Rambo (possibly the best name for a new jersey) and others - so it's not surprising that someone's gotta go. And while Morgan was not a surprise in the least for me, I liked what Montana and Sanford did last year, and nostalgia makes me sorry to see them go.
As for Kennedy, well... don't wanna say I told you so, but... it's that ESPN kicking in again.

June 9, 2005:
Okay, that was a cold, wet game.
I think I'll be warm by sometime next month.
But it was worth it to see the Stamps back in action again, and things looked good, despite the rain and the Rider fans, both of which were far too abundant in McMahon.
Quick impressions: Henry Burris looked average, but I'm not going to judge based on this. Let's see how he handles the offense when Moses isn't trying to get Quick-Six onto the Ark. Jason Gesser looked very impressive - I renew my prediction that he'll be #2, and Kennedy will be the odd man out. Darnell looked lost, and sadly, I don't think he did enough to impress.
Two recievers caught my eye, for completely different reasons. Jermaine Copeland, despite a drop or two, looked impressive, and I'm sure we're all going to be signing his praises come November. On the other end of the spectrum, import Kenyatta Morgan dropped some very catchable balls, and I think his next reception will be of a one-way ticket outta town.
And kudos to the kicking game - Sandro DeAngelis looked great with his three FG's... to be honest, I was worried. And while one pre-season performance does not a confident kicking team create, I'm hopeful that we've got that area licked.
I'm looking forward to the next pre-season game in BC, which with the great weather under the 'dome, should give a clearer picture of where the Stamps are heading this season.
Oh, and speaking of pictures... sorry, digital cameras and monsoons don't mix. I'll try to snap some shots on Canada Day to post, I promise.
BTW, anybody know if that guy who tried to get out on the field was a Sask fan? He wasn't a streaker as I predicted, but kudos to the on-field security for a quick collar. Didn't even make it to the sidelines!
But a failing grade to those who should be watching the conduct in the seats, and an even worse grade to those whose conduct needed watching. There were a couple of drunks in our section, smoking and cursing, and getting as close to falling-down drunk as humanly possible, and yet not an eye was turned their way. I know it was cold and wet, but the ushers need to keep an eye out for louts like this. He was taunting a lot of green Rider fans, and we're all just lucky that it was too cold and wet to ignite a good donneybrook.
In any event, you'll have to excuse me - I have to go dry off some more... still.

June 6, 2005:
Well, looks like I've got ESPN - yep, I can tell the future when it comes to sports. Well, at least when it comes to the Stamps current QB situation.
As predicted back almost a month ago, the Stamps have said "so long" to Mike Souza, despite recent rumblings that Ottawa-rebound pivot Darnell Kennedy looked to be the weaker of the two in training camp. But with the recent signing of Ben Dougherty, the big German who spend time at Florida A&M behind a certain Casey Printers, it might spell the end - again - for Darnell. Hey, maybe the Gliebermans will effort to bring him back to the Renegades/Rough Riders. Hey, I smell a name change comin'.
And as for Tom Denison? That's right, he's no longer in the Stamp's picture. He signed with Toronto, and has a tough fight to crack the line-up, competing against old man Allen, AFL'er Bishop, Scott Covington and Charlie Peterson. Good luck, canuck!
But the big thing on my mind these days is that upcoming preseason tilt against those hated Green Riders. Man, I can't wait to see Smilin' Hank rip up a few touches to our impressive receiving corps... break his neck? Nah, he'll just ring yours, Saskatchewan.
And note for GM Shivers: Shut up. Sure, it wasn't an actual threat you made against our guy Burris, but geez, do you have a brain in your head? That sort of comment, made by a fan, would be nothing special, but you're representing your team. You should be above ridiculous trash talk. And gawd forbid something should happen to Henry Burris on Tuesday. The media will have you fitted for a noose here in Cowtown, and I for one think you'll have deserved it. You and your big mouth.
Well, that's all for me and MY big mouth for this edition - see ya at the tailgate, and GO STAMPS GO! 35-21 for the Stamps is my prediction, and watch for at least one Green streaker, rain or no rain...

May 19, 2005:
Encouraging news for us Stamps fans: Researchers say that the colour red is tied to success in sports. Read more here.
And my condolances to Khari Jones. Buddy, don't buy any lottery tickets right now. First, you come to Calgary and get dislodged by Henry Burris. Now, your new team, the Eskimos, have signed Jet-dropped "Frito" Ray. Now, they won't cut Maas, which means you'd better pack your bags - again. Man, what's an over-the-hill QB gotta do to get some respect in this league?
Oh yeah - play for Hamilton.

May 10, 2005:
Remember last season, when we all sat in the stands and watched Crandall throw INT after INT and we complained about the Stamps not making any moves to get some more help at the quarterback position? Well, somebody sure was listening!
The Stamps now have five - yes, five - quarterbacks to chose from, and none of them are related to any of the ownership group (I think). There's everyone's favourite starter, Henry "Smilin' Hank" Burris, fresh from sitting on the bench for a cup of coffee with the NFL Chicago Bears, and a full season of having the Saskatchewan "faithful" chew on him like a rawhide dog treat. Then, there's Micheal "Last Man Standing" Souza, the final link between at pivot to the past; and Darnell "Triumphant Return" Kennedy, back from Ottawa. Sounds like a pretty good group to start the season with, eh?
Apparently not.
The Stamps have gone off and signed up two more QBs in the past week or so - both coming from BC, and both with NFL time under their belts.
First, it was Jason Gesser, whose rights we aqquired from the Lions in exchange for a pick in next year's draft. And really, what loss is that to us? We draft guys who chose to withdraw their eligibility and go back to school. But that's another matter. We traded for Gesser's rights, apparently never expecting to sign him, but word is that he's John Hancock'ed a contract with the Red and White. Gesser's been with the Tennessee Titans for the last two seasons, but to be honest, I don't recall seeing him. Then again, I'm not the Silver Titan, now am I?
And just in the past few days, the Stamps have signed BC's former backup-backup-backup (yeah, behind starters Dickensen and Printers, as well as Spergon Wynn) Giovanni Carmazzi. Again, what I know about this guy would fit comfortably in a thimble, but he's got time with the 49ers as well as the Lions, so he can't be that bad...
Now, there's no way the Stamps will carry five QB's into the season, so the question becomes who will be left standing once the music stops? Sorry Mike, I think it's you. You're the last embarrassing remnants of what Matt Dunnigan tried to call an offense, and you're a sore spot on the throwing arm of the new ownership. Too bad, as I still say Souza's got skillz.
Now, out of the remaining four, you have to think that the only guy who's safe is Burris, but there's talk - although not much of it - that Gesser will challenge for the starter's position, resigning Hank to the bench once again in a backup capacity. I guess time will tell. I don't have any favourites, as long as whoever's at the helm can steer us over Khari's Eskies and Crandall's Alouettes!
But what I wanna know is, what does this mean for Canadian 'chucker Tommy Dennison? Hah!

May 3, 2005:
Looks like Reebok's CFL consultants have their offices across the river from New York City, because the league has new jersey fever!
Okay okay, so it's a bad pun. It's the off-season, give me a break, would ya?
In any event, the CFL announced yesterday that every team has new jersey designs for home and away. For some teams, like Montreal in particular, have almost no changes at all, while our beloved Stamps have undergone quite the makeover. Don't fret, it's still red, white and black (sadly, no silver was added), but the model for ours - and indeed, most of the new looks - seems to be the NHL's Atlanta Falcons.
Now, don't get me wrong. My first impression (and so far, that's all I've had time for) is that our new unis may not have been my first choice for a new look, but they ain't that bad. In fact, I'm thinking about diversifying the Silver Stampeder wardrobe with one of those fancy new road whites. It's nice to have choices, don't you think?
Speaking of choices, a poor one was made recently in the CFL draft. Miquel Robede, our first selection in this year's draft, isn't going to be in Calgary anytime soon. Turns out this hot prospect, who would have been number three in the depth chart on the line, has decided to return to Laval to finish his bachelor's degree in administration before making himself available for the NFL draft next season.
Best of luck, buddy. The NFL isn't hot on kids who get booted from Miami, end up in a Canadian school, and then show themselves to be unreliable by entering the draft, only to flip-flop and decide to rescind their draft eligibility. I have no problem with the kid wanting to finish his education - it makes sense, since you can't play football forever. But if this was his intention all along - and he says it was - then he's a jerk for declaring. In the 'States, once you declare for the draft, your college days are over. It should be the same up here. Sadly, smart money says Robede didn't go back because he wants to finish his courses. He probably went back to get out of playing with the Stamps. So be it.
Instead, we went out and picked up ex-Esk and former NFLer Rahim Abdullah. Sorry Miquel, you're now number four on the depth chart. But good luck with the NFL, and hey, if that doesn't work out, there's lots of work in the administration of a football team...

March 14, 2005:
It begins again.
The season is soon upon us, and the Silver Stampeder has begun to rise from his yearly hibernation. It's been a deep sleep this year, with no NHL hockey to disturb my slumber. And, to my embarassment, I must admit that I haven't been to a Hitmen or Roughnecks game in lieu. So, I'm just like everyone else in town who said they'd attend other sporting events when the Flames failed to take to the ice. I'm sad to say, I'm not missing hockey all that much.
But I am eager for the new football season to start! Whoo! What an off-season! New ownership! New coach! New quarterback! New seats! I'm all a tizzy with excitement!
New ownership! Well, I wish I was able to get in on the deal, but this is the next best thing. Local owners! Yay! So to all the new owners, be they web geeks, former players or bored NHL execs, I say welcome!
...Now, don't screw it up.
New coach! Welcome back Tom Higgins! I'm glad to see him return from the land of the Green and Gold - here's hoping he'll bring some of that winning spirit with him - without the taint of Eskimo on it!
New quarterback! Now, this isn't nearly the surprise of the year. Smilin' Hank was going to be a Stamp again. Too bad about Khari Jones - made that deal with Winnipeg a real stinker for the Stamps! Seems as though the new management is trying it's damndest to bring back everyone the old regime let go - Darnell Kennedy, Henry Burris... I'm waiting with baited breath for the return of Joe Fleming. Notice I ain't holding my breath, though.
New Seats! Yep, the Silver Stampeder is moving up to style this year - Section C, here we come! You see, while we loved the atmosphere in Section B most of the time, there were things we'll be happy to be leaving behind. The lack of defined seating on the benches meant too many flabby fans oozing onto our seats - no more! We have seats, not bleachers! And the overrun of green whenever Saskatchewan comes to town - no more! Those stubble-jumpers always get the cheap seats! Hahaha!
There'll be a lot to be happy about this football season. The team seems to be headed in a good direction this year, and of course, there'll be tailgates aplenty! The Silver Stampedermobile is being prepped for a new season (and it needs it, after the fire next door this winter!), and there's a new fundraiser in the works for TSS - details to come, but sufficed to say, we're in it for the long run...
I just can't wait for it all to begin!

November 5, 2004:
Well, it's all over for another year. Perhaps at some other time, I'll recap my feelings about this season. I think you can guess, though.
But now it's playoff time in the CFL, and I'm gonna break down the matchups and make my pick for the Grey Cup.
In the East, the Argos-Ticats game will be marred by horrible attendance, and a tragic injury as the best bench-bound receiver in football today will suffer a broken arm in an autograph scrum when TO fans confuse him for TO. Back to the game, and Damon Allen and Danny McManus will trade tips on how to avoid breaking a hip. But all joking aside, it doesn't matter who wins this game, because next up is Montreal, who is destined for another trip to the big game. But, what the heck, let's say Hamilton will pull this one out.
In the West, it'll be a donnybrook between the Riders and the Eskimos. Since I dislike both of these teams, I really don't care... but I'm hoping for lots of blooper reel material. I say Nealon Greene makes an amazing return, only to get laid out by a wayward thrown flag. Danny Barrett does what Matt Dunigan should have done and straps on the pads, but it won't be enough to stop an Eskimo team who, suddenly and without warning, decides to show up. But the following week, the QB Turnstile of Printers in the first, Dickenson in the second, Wynn in the third and whoever else they've got in the fourth quarter will put the Esks out for the winter.
So it's BC-Montreal in the Grey Cup in Ottawa. Being geographically closer to home, and being used to being outdoors, I say Montreal's gonna clean up, sacking every BC quarterback a dozen times or more, en route (notice the french!) to another Grey Cup, and an MVP award for little Ezra Landry, who will return three kicks for TDs!
Hey, it may not happen that way, but you know I'm a dreamer. I am a Stamps fan, after all...

October 27, 2004:
Well, I’ve taken a few days to calm myself down after the last Stamps game… and it hasn’t helped. I’m still ticked off.
At who? Well, isn’t it obvious? I’m mad at the one man who cost the Calgary Stampeders the game with one very screwy call that everyone watching knew was wrong.
Yeah, I’m upset with Matt Dunigan.
Everyone has been concentrating on this rugby-esque kick-and-recover play. How the officials blew it. And yes, they did. And that’s especially maddening considering the latest report saying that the zebras discussed this trick play of Calgary’s right before the game. So they knew it might be coming, and still couldn’t get a handle on it.
But it’s easy to berate the refs. They’re the ones that have to make split-second decisions, and god help them if they make a mistake. They don’t have instant replay to assist them, either. They’re not full-time employees, so they don’t have the off-season to train and improve. They’re regular working stiffs the rest of the year. So as much as I want to join in with the torch-wielding mob calling for Jake Ireland’s head on a platter, I can’t.
It’s a tough job, and one I wouldn’t take for all the tea in China.
Being a coach is also a tough job, and thus far, I’ve held back from criticizing Dunigan. He’s a rookie to the coaching role, the GM role, the offensive coordinator role… not to mention the concussions. But his poor play calling cost the Stamps the game against BC. Allow me to explain, as I see it. Greathouse, with less than a minute left in the game, has to kick the ball away from inside his own five yard line. Not a great place to be. Even with the lack of wind inside BC’s domed stadium, you’re probably going to end up with a surging Casey Printers on the wrong side of the 55. But you’re up by a field goal, so you boot it and have faith in that defense that they can hold them out of the endzone, and at worst, BC gets into field goal range. Duncan O’Mahoney ain’t that accurate, so you’ve got a good shot of winning the thing. Heck, even if, by some miracle, he hits it, so what? You’re going to overtime.
But no. Instead, Greathouse runs back into the endzone and GIVES UP TWO POINTS IN A THREE-POINT GAME! Now, BC is but a mere point from putting the game into extra time. Yeah, that’s a missed FG that sails through the endzone, something that O’Mahoney is a pro at. But even worse, if BC (starting at their own 35) manages to get into field goal range, they could kick the winning field goal!
Now, let’s look at this. Greathouse averages about 44.2 yards per kick. Starting from the five or so, you can imagine that, in these decent conditions, he could have made it out to between the 50 and 55 yard line. If Antonio Warren gets it, he averages 22.3 yards per return. Let’s say he gets that. BC starts at somewhere near the Calgary 30 yard line. Not great, but remember, this is the defense that held BC out of the endzone on a first-and-goal on the one! With a short field to work with, there’s less room for the receivers to work, and thus, easier to defend. Do we hold them? Maybe we do, and maybe we don’t. But if the do score, it won’t take long from 30 yards out, and at least they would have earned every point that it took to beat us. As it stood, we gave them the bullets.
Now, as for the league refusing to overturn the game results… well, did anyone ACTUALLY think they would? Calgary is out of the playoffs, and a loss for BC could affect their playoff standings! A loss would have put them 11-6, and in danger (however remote) of losing their #1 ranking to either Edmonton or Saskatchewan. So, the CFL did the only thing it could do – say they’re sorry, and move on. Take the verbal abuse from the Calgary fans, give Ireland a slap on the wrist, and move on.
Now, the other complaint to come from that game is another matter altogether. Nik Lewis, who gets my vote as rookie of the year, says that an official told him “get off the field; I don’t understand Ebonics” during the scrum that ensued after the ruckus about the blown call at the end of the game.
If it’s true, and I have no reason to believe that a person would make something like this up, then that official should be summarily fired. No excuses, no second chances. Fired. Gone. Out. Done.
I think this decision, not the last one, will be the more important decree by this league. Bobble this call, and I may even let Matt Dunigan off the hook in favour of Tom Wright.

October 18, 2004:
Whoo! Chalk one up in the win column!
That game was full of emotion. Sadness, as it's the last home game of the Stamps season. Joy, because we won, and looked good doing it. And... well, is cold an emotion?
Man, it was brutal cold. Out of the eight or nine people who showed up at the start of the game, only three stuck it out to the end - Me, Tom and Jen. And Jen was only there because I was her ride home!
The game was great, and Khari, aside from one or two poor choices, looked pretty fantastic in red. But he's new, and I'm excited to see what he can do with the offense once he's well and truly entrenched!
And yeah, that was the last tailgate of the year, since sadly, I won't be going to the Grey Cup this year in Ottawa. I'd like to, but with an upcoming wedding to draw out the finances, and a new job that doesn't provide me with much in the way of vacation time (not that I'm complaining, I love my new job!)... but all that means is a HUGE Grey Cup party here in town! Stay tuned for further details!

October 15, 2004:
To paraphrase the Rock, finally - the CFL has come back to Calgary!
Yes, that 16 day layoff has a way of dulling the senses, which is the only reason I can imagine for the Stamps releasing recently-healed kicker Charlie Hebert.
Unless his injury from Labour Day is going to somehow keep him from returning to his old form, there's no way he should be the one to hit the bricks. Greathouse (nee Brickhouse) is an NFL kicker - sky-high and not very deep. Not a good combination for the Canadian game, where he's actually hit downfield coverage in the back with a few kicks!
Word around town has it that 'Ebert got the boot because Greathouse was given a huge signing bonus, and they don't want to waste the money! Boo! If that's your idea of a great management decision, Matt, I ain't impressed!
Don't be surprised when BC picks this kid up to back up oft-horrible Turduncan O'Mahoney.
Now, I'd love to rant and rave on this subject, but it's a busy week, and I have a lot to get to.
Like that asinine stunt pulled by Blue Bomber Keith Stokes. How anyone could think this was a good idea is beyond me. Stokes manages a rare TD, and it a rush to copy Sharpie-wielding NFLers (wow, has it taken that long for him to score, or that long to think of the stunt?), he runs to the goal-post, whips out a magazine, and leans against the post, pretending to read. Of course, he had to be pretending, because he obviously isn't smart enough to be literate! Too bad he hadn't grabbed a copy of the next day's paper, and seen that his team lost the game! Moron, moron, moron! Hey Stokes, what WERE you reading? Cause it obviously wasn't "Tiger Beat"! (Insert drumroll)
And I've heard that, after losing the UofT site to budgets that couldn't be budged any higher, the Toronto Argonauts have settled for a site at York U. Congrats, Argos. Maybe now you won't have to work all year for a home-field advantage, just to have your playoff game bumped from your home stadium because of a Wiggles concert! Yeah, the game in TO will be on Nov 5th, because the Skydome is booked for the weekend - by a childrens entertainment act! Hah! Once again proving the T-Dot doesn't deserve the Argos! Oh well - maybe no one will tell Pinball about the date change, and he can finally feel tall!
Wow, that's harsh. Guess it's CFL withdrawl. Don't worry, I'll feel much better tomorrow! Go Stamps Go!

September 27, 2004:
Well, there's certainly a lot to talk about when it comes to the Stamps this past weekend!
Well, let's start with Friday's game against the BC Lions. Now, those of you who thought Calgary had a prayer, put up your hands. Now, if you have your hand in the air, you're either a liar, or Ron Rooke.
There's no way that Calgary should have been in that game, offensively speaking. I cringed when Marcus Crandall threw bad pass after bad pass. I shuddered when Greathouse (whose nickname, I think, should be Brickhouse... I mean, look at the guy! He ain't built like a kicker...!) booted that kick that sailed so high, and yet so short, as to hit the back of the head of a man in downfield coverage...
But kudos to the defence! No, not kudos, that's not enough. Bravo! Cheers! Halleluyah! Yay! Whoopee!
The D proved that they are (were?) the dominant force on the field that night - just ask Casey Printers! The man was down on all fours on the turf more than a grazing cow! Whoo!
And while I hate to see anyone get injured, it was nice to see Dunigan give Sousa a shot at leading the offence. Yes, he was greatly helped by some iffy calls and some absolutely stupid defensive moves by the Lions, but in the end, it's results that count, and that last-second, come-from-behind win was exactly what the doctor ordered for this franchise!
People left McMahon with a smile on their faces, yelling and hollering, cheering and hooting. And do I feel bad for those "fans" who left early? No!
If you left the game early and missed out on the comeback of the year, I don't want to hear you griping about it! It was a nice night, weather-wise, and I don't care how late it was, the next day was a Saturday. Sleep in or something. No, you left because you're fair-weather fans, and I hope this little wake-up call made you realize that it's stupid to walk out before the end of any sporting event, but especially the CFL, because it ain't over 'til it's over!
And then, we get to Sunday... and I'm not sure about this deal. Now, admittedly, I don't know a whole heckuva lot about tihs Bowles fella that we aqquired, but I sure as shoot have heard of Khari Jones. Now, Khari is coming off a serious injury, he's getting up there in years, and he's going to be put behind an o-line that hasn't been exactly stellar this year. I hope that this will turn out better than Ro Miller (yes, we did get some great players in that deal - just not the ones we thought!). Good luck, Khari, and welcome to Calgary!
But it's a sad day for me, because I'm a huge Joe Fleming fan. But, of course, we all knew this was coming. Joe and Matt, by all accounts, weren't exactly seeing eye to eye these days, and since Joe's contract was up at the end of this season, there was no way he would have stayed in Calgary anyways. So, getting something for him was a good move.
But I can still be sad about it, even while I understand it. Joe, you'll be missed here in Calgary, and I know I'm not the only one to be wishing you all the success you can handle - just not against the Stamps, eh?
And there are other aspects to this deal that worry me. Scott Regimbald is an asset to the backfield, and I think he's going to be sorely missed. Yes, Joffrey Renoylds, or however you spell it, made quite an impression against BC, but as people in Calgary are so fond of saying when it comes to QB's, one game does not a great player make. So here's hoping Renoylds comes out swinging again against TO this week, and make us forget about Reggie (sorry Scott!)
And finally, there's Wes Lysack... and I think Winnipeg is licking their chops about getting their hands on this safety. I've heard knocks on him all season, but it seems that every time there's a big play, Lysack had his hands in there.
So, who wins at this trade? Only time will tell. Khari could do great things in Calgary - like be the final puzzle piece that convinces a local group to step up and make an offer for the team. And hey, he might be a good pivot, too! Fleming might re-retire at the end of this year, and head back to his other job in Boston, full-time. Reynolds might make Regimbald obsolete. Bowles might be great. Who knows?
But this means there's a glut at the QB position on the Stamps right now. You've got Crandall on the IR with his damaged tendons and wonky wrist, you've got newcomer K.Jones, you've got "the backups of the future" in T.Jones (imagine that: Jones is out at quarterback... now taking the snaps is Jones!) and Mike Souza, and the impressionable Canadian youth, Tommy Dennison. Obviously , the roster will have to be thinned out a little, but who will go? I would like to see Dennison stick around and learn more by osmosis, and hold the clipboard for another year or so, and I think Souza's got the mobility and arm strength to stick it out in this league. And obviously, Khari is the man we're pinning our hopes to. That leaves Marcus Crandall (who was being called Mucus Cantthrow at points during the BC game), and Tommy Jones. One has had years to convince us that 2001 wasn't a fluke, that he has awareness of what's going on on the field (or the timeclock), and failed over and over again. The other is a young kid with little CFL experience, but not many sustained chances to prove himself yet, either.
So obviously, it's Tommy Jones.
Sadly, since Marcus is injured, he can't be cut. So here's hoping that the Stamps do the smart thing and let things lie until Crandall is healthy again - and then cut him. It'll give him a chance to go to another team and get a fresh start (because he won't get that here), and it gives the fans the feeling that yes, this team is moving in the right direction.
At least, that's my take on it. But I can't dwell on it too much - I'm still a bit hyper from the BC game on Friday! Go Stamps Go! Whoo!

September 20, 2004:
Man, am I in pain!
What from, you ask? Is it another sad result coming from McMahon on Friday?
Nah, I'm used to that by now, sadly. No, my pain is physical. I ran the Terry Fox Run on Sunday at Eau Claire.
Big deal, you say? Well, for me, 10K is quite the big deal, considering my idea of a long distance run is from the fridge to the sofa during commercial breaks!
No, I didn't train for it, didn't really prepare for it, and to top it all off, I ran the 10K in the Silver Stampeder outfit - yep, giant shoes and all.
So why am I smiling today?
I raised $125 for the Terry Fox Foundation, I proved that Calgary has a running game (hah!), and I finished the 10K in just under one hour!
And what about that game on Friday? Bah!
How many times can you get inside the red zone and NOT punch it in? I guess you'd have to ask Marcus Crandall that question!
And equally sad, I didn't win the Fritos Fandemonium contest this year. You know, I almost didn't even try out. I figured that since I'd won for the first two years, there was no way that they would pick me again, so what's the point of trying, right? Well, I thought long and hard about that, and I decided that not entering just because I didn't think I could win would be pretty weak of a reason. I think I'm the ultimate Stamps fan, and whether they pick me or not, I have to go... "so that my place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory or defeat."
The thing that bummed me out more was that my fiancee gave it a really good shot to win the Fritos competition, and methinks, because we went up at the same time, I fouled her chances of winning. It's really too bad, because she was great! Folks, watch for Stampie Longstockings at the next game, because she's the superfan of tomorrow!
And in case anyone is wondering, the attendance was way less than announced... man, it looked positively empty in McMahon! Sure, the weather wasn't supposed to be very nice (it ended up being pretty decent weather), but I think a lot of people are starting to voice their discontent with this team by leaving their seats vacant. I really hope the Stamps can do something to turn things around in the very near future, or there's going to continue to be a lot of empty seats next year.

September 13, 2004:
What can I say?
Another brutal game for my boys in Red, but there was one shining moment. Yes, Mike Pringle got stuffed two yards short of his precious record. Hah!
I was getting mighty sick of hearing smug Esk fans gloat about how easy it was to beat us, and how Pringle was going to run through us like a stiff breeze through a chain-link fence. Well, think again! I've said it before and I'll say it again, there may be problems with the Stamps this year, but defence ain't one of 'em! Especially with the addition of Demetrious Maxie! I'd glad to see DM back in the fold after a cup of tea with the NFL 49ers, but I worry that his return might signal the end for fan favourite Joe Fleming. Word on the street is that Big Joe is trade bait, and might move in a deal with Lysack for oft-injured pivot Khari Jones.
I know, Jones is better than anything we have here behind the snap. But I'd hate to see Joe go, and I'd worry that a) Jones' best days may be behind him, or he may get bit by the injury bug again, and b) that this STILL won't spell the end of the Marcus Crandall Experiment... I hope they hang on to Tommy Dennison; I'd like to see what the kid could do... next year.
And finally, to all those whiny Esk fans who bitched about the Stamps piling up on Pringle at the end of the game to deny him his record at home, consider this: Would you have wanted YOUR team to lay down and let Doug Flutie, Dave Supungis, Allen Pitts or Pee Wee Smith set a record on you? Hell no! And would you like an asterik beside Pringle's record, saying "The Calgary Stampeders did not field a defence on the final play of the game to allow Pringle to break the record..." Uh uh, no way. Don't whine about Calgary's "lack of sportsmanship". This is a game, and records should be earned. Nobody should "give up" and LET someone have their way, ever! A good sport is a humble winner and a gracious loser, but he's never a quitter, and he never gives an inch while there is still time left on the clock. I know it's not all of Edmonton screaming on this particular occasion, but to you - the small contingent of Eskimo fans who are crying foul at Calgary's unwillingness to defile Pringle's true attempt at an impressive record - you make me sick.
Never give up. Never surrender. And Esk fans, you should be glad that our D respected Mike Pringle enough NOT to shame him by allowing him an easy run. He hasn't had yardage given to him any other time - he's earned it. My hat is off to Mike Pringle - he's a heckuva athlete, and Eskie or not, a great spokesman for this great league.
Good luck on those two yards in BC, Mike.

September 7, 2004:
I guess I would call Labour Day 2004 a great day, and a terrible day.
The weekend started off positively enough (Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Selinger, married 9/4/04), and things continued to swing well into Monday. The tailgate started off a little late (didn't arrive until eight or half past-ish), but soon enough, the Guiness pancakes were flipping, the chairs were filled, and the beer had been cracked. Root beer, for me.
As the day snuck past and our numbers grew, so did the fun. I gave away $117.25 in Canadian Tire money to two very nice ladies who came by on behalf of the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter. Too bad I couldn't have afforded the team on that ammount, but I felt great knowing it was going to a truly worthy cause. Take that, everyone who thought I was using the money for tools!
And the media was there in full force, although I didn't actually see myself posted anywhere. But I did spots for A-Channel, Global, CFCN, Sportsnet, the Calgary Sun and CBC Radio. I think I did more interviews yesterday than Matt Dunnigan!
Also, the Stamps did a veyr nice thing for me, sending Ralph the Dog over to the tailgate to help celebrate a slightly belated birthday (September the Third)... and for that, I'd like to say a hearty "Thank you" to the Stampeder organization, who proved they truly care about their fans!
And then, there was the game.
Hoo boy.
I'll keep this brief, because everyone's already said it. It was not a good game, there needs to be changes on the field, and Matt Dunigan should NOT be fired over this - give him another year and a half to prove he can pull together a good bunch of guys and make a team out of 'em.
But my goodness, do we need a quarterback! With appologies to Tommy Jones and Marcus Crandall (sincere condolances, Marcus, on the passing of your father), neither of them showed that they deserved the starter's position next week. So, does Souza get a chance? How long before Dennison sees action? Stay tuned to find out!
It's a bloody shame to lose, and it's a horrible bloody shame to lose to Edmonton, but it's just sad to lose to Edmonton on Labour Day. I'm not saying that the game was ours for the taking, but I'm suggesting that the team left it for the Esks to take. And they did.
The next two games don't seem to offer us much in the way of opportunities for salvation. Edmonton again on Friday, and the slumping but still powerful Renegades the following week at home. I'll be there, but I fear - not only for the Stampeders as a team - but as an organization. Ticket sales are going to slump noticibly if this keeps up. Let's hope the boys in red can pull it together and make a run at this thing, because if they don't get going soon, some people are going to leave.
Not me, though. I still wore my Stamps jacket today.

August 30, 2004:
Well, it's getting down to the eleventh hour in my bid to buy the Calgary Stampeders. My merchandise isn't selling all that well... heck, I'm the only one to buy a single item! I've managed to get over a hundred bucks in Canadian Tire money, but I'm afraid that unless a mysterious philanthropist comes in at the last moment, the Stamps will stay in the hands of Mr. Feterik.
But there is good news in this: that hundred dollars is going to be going to a very worthy organization - the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter. They'll be able to use the Canadian Tire money to buy supplies, and that makes me happy. I've never been so proud of "failing" in all my life. We'll be making the donation on Labour Day, and hopefully, the spirit of giving will penetrate the Eskie defense, and they'll give us a chance to win!

August 8, 2004:
Whoo!
The Stamps put in one heckuva effort last night, and really took it to the Bombers! There were times I thought the Stamps were going to fall into their old pattern of letting a lead slip away, but everybody stepped it up when the going got rough, and all I can say is, that was the game that every Stampeders fan was waiting for!
And there was a running game! Finally! What a difference an offensive coordinator, or lack thereof, makes! The run kept the Bomber dee honest, and at the same time, made some great plays! The Scotts and Ike were finally given a chance to prove themselves, and they did!
And let's not forget the Stampeder defense, who rattled both quarterbacks, ran the offense ragged, and picked off balls at will. If they can play like that every game, and the offense and special teams can keep up the good work, we're going to give BC a run for their money on the 21st!
Kudos to Ike, the Scotts, Tommy Jones, Nik Lewis, John Grace, and Matt Dunigan! Learn from what worked, and keep it up!

July 30, 2004:
The fan in me says that the Stamps put in a pretty good effort last night, and Tommy Jones looked pretty good for his first CFL start. But the critic in me worries that if we can't beat a team when they're self-destructing like Ottawa was last night, then we're not going to beat anybody.
I mean, Ottawa was ready and willing to hand that game over to the Stamps, and for a while there, it looked like they were going to take it. I mean, up by 15 points with five minutes remaining is hardly an insurmountable lead in the CFL, but it should be pretty damn difficult. Especially when the refs are as bad as they were last night. I swear, they found those guys on a street corner somewhere. For them to allow the Stamps to waffle on whether or not to accept a penalty call, and then deny the Rens the same right was positively moronic. Not to mention the fumble they failed to call correctly, and the facemask they missed early in the game. Brutal!
However, TSN's announce team was equal to the task of sucking. I don't know where they find these guys, but at one point, he was trying to convince us that a five yard pass, behind the line of scrimmage, to a wide-open receiver, was the hardest pass in football! What? And later in the game, he declared the on-side kick the most exciting play to watch. Has the man ever actually watched a game before?
But all of that was secondary to the fact that the Stamps should have won that game, but made sure that they blew it. Tommy Jones looked alright for his first start in the league, but he's got a ways to go yet. Sure, he's instantly better than deservingly-third-string Marcus Crandall,but he's got to learn that while he may be 6'3", most of his receivers are not. He was throwing bery high balls to his guys, and leaving them open for a helmet in the gut far too often. And of course, there was the INT that came from a pass too high, that tipped off into Renegade hands.
And Tommy, learn when to give up. Too many times, he flailed like a wounded duck as he was dragged to the turf, and too many times, it resulted in him being stripped of the ball. He's gotta learn that sometimes, the best thing a QB can do is tuck the ball and take the hit. It's better than a fumble with less than a minute left that gives the game away.
And did anyone else notice Tommy's, uhm, unusual throw? It's kind of sidearm most of the time, and it's rarely a tight spiral. His trademark seems to be the wobbly airball that's going to get him picked off by wide-eyed defences more than his fare share.
But there were three positive coming out of last night. One, Charlie Hebert is a kicking machine! He nailed every FG they set him up for (which was far too many, of course), and that single late in the game was a boomer of a kick! The kid is awesome!
Two, the D stepped up huge a couple of times last night, especially against the run! Wow, they shut down a powerful run game, well, for most of the game anyways. And three, Nik Lewis. Great hands, great head, great ability to get yards after the catch!
And the iffy spot was the run game. Sure, it WAS there, but it wasn't utilized enough. There were too many times where Calgary was in reach of the endzone, and they pulled up in the shotgun for first and goal. They need to show more confidence in the run game, and they need to use it to keep the other teams honest.
Sufficed to say, I was not happy after this game, but oh well, life goes on. Another struggling team comes into McMahon next week, and all I can hope for is that the Stamps put a lickin' on Khari and Co.

July 26, 2004:
I have a bad taste in my mouth after Saturday's loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but not for the reason you would expect.
Yes, I'm disappointed that my Stamps weren't able to pull it out against the Roughies. The total team effort just didn't seem to be there. The offense sputtered, the defense stumbled, and the special teams weren't all that special.
But sadly, this isn't much of a surprise. Everyone knew the Stamps would be in tough against a Roughies team that had something to prove - after all, they've provided the Stamps with their only win of the season thus far.
And while I'm not happy to see my boys fall to 1-4, it's not what made me question my attendance for the next appearance of the Green.
Nope, it was the Rider fans that made it a thoroughly unpleasant experience.
Now, I can understand full well the rush of enthusiasm that comes when your team starts to win, after many seasons of sucking. After all, I live in Calgary, and we have the Flames. And I can see how easy it is to get caught up in that rush. But man, the majority of the Saskatchewan fans who made the trip to McMahon took things too far.
They blocked off parking spots so that no one else could use them. They swore, they yelled at small children, and most worrisome, they were creating trouble in the stands. Yep, that meant that the boys and girls in blue had to come in. And no, I'm not talking about Winnipeg fans.
In particular, in Section B, there was a group of very rowdy, very intoxicated Rider fans, who seemed to get more enjoyment from standing up, turning around towards the stands, and yelling and flipping the bird to any Stamps fans they could see.
And truly, I felt bad for the cop who had to come down into the stands and babysit these morons. They were rude to her, and frankly, if I were in her situation, I wouldn't have given them as much wiggle room as she did. They came awful close to giving her a shove a few times, and yet she would just tell them to sit down and shut up. Which of course, they didn't. Finally, the cop hauled the head troublemaker out, to chants of "Let him stay!" by the mass of green humanity. Right, great idea.
Now, lemme make this clear. I've met many a great Rider fan, especially in Regina for last year's Grey Cup. But a few bad apples ruin the cartload. If you are a Rider fan in Calgary, and you were on your best behaviour, or at least weren't running around like a jerk, I'm sorry to lump you in with these lunatics. But if you're a Greener, and you were one of the bad apples, please don't come back to McMahon. We don't want you here.
And for the lunkheads of Green who live in Calgary, but still feel the need to hooligan it up at Rider games, lemme ask you - why are you here in Calgary? Go back to Saskatchewan, if they'll take you.
As for the jerks who took up three spots for their single-vehicle, three-person tailgate party... if you guys didn't outweigh me by a good fifty pounds of muscle each, well, you might have gotten an earful.
Ah, who am I kidding?
Well, here's to today, to forget about yesterday. Next up is the Ottawa Roughri- err, Renegades, a team I don't think is getting the respect it deserves. I don't care that their #1 QB is out, I think the Stamps are going to have to work hard to win this one!

July 21, 2004:
I have a bad feeling about this weekend's game.
No, it's not about Crandall, or the O-line, or special teams. It's about the Rider fans.
They scare me a bit.
To clarify, I've met more than my fair share of Rider fans, and there are a ton of great people in that group.
But there are also a few wingnuts who worry me. They kind of people who drink too much, talk too much, and try to pick fights. The guys who dress in green and throw things at red-attired fans. The jerks.
And I have a feeling, deep in my gut, that I'm going to have the misfortune of running into a few of these bad apples on Saturday. I hope my intuition is wrong, because it feels like Saturday could be a bad day.

July 19, 2004:
And down we go.
But I'm not going to sit here and knock on the team. Heaven knows that the good ones on the Stamps are already giving themselves hell, and the weak players, well, they don't care enough about their play to give a damn if someone criticizes their play.
No, I'm upset with the appologists in the stands of McMahon Stadium.
Oh sure, it was Montreal. They're the powerhouse of the league. It's okay to lose to them, everyone does.
Uh-uh, no way.
I don't care if we're playing the reincarnation of the '72 Dolphins and all of our starters are down with injuries, I don't want to hear about how it's okay to lose.
I'm not saying that losing is the end of the world for me. I discovered, not so long ago, that I could be a fan and not have my world crash down around me every time the team gave up points in the standings. But I hate to see them lose, and I hate to see people accept it.
Montreal is a team just like any other. On any given day, they can be beaten by any other team in this league. The Stamps included.
So this Saturday, when the Red & White entertain the Green, I don't want to hear any talk about how we're rebuilding, how we're still a young team, and you have to accept a few