Today is Canada Day, the 144th anniversary of the British North America Act, which consolidated Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into the Confederation of Canada. Or think of it as Canada's July 4 (a lot less bloody).
Fireworks, closings, beaches: yep, just like Americans.
As we noted earlier in the week, the newest royal couple, Will and Kate, are in the nation's capital of Ottawa taking in Canada Day festivities.
---
West of there within Ontario, the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada's only MLB team, is at home facing their long-time teammate, Roy Halladay, and his Philadelphia Philles in interleague play. As you may recall, the Phillies were supposed to be in Toronto last summer, but the G20 summit threw a wrench into those plans. Some wise people (me) suggested the series be played in Montréal or rearranged to still play in Toronto. MLB decided no to both and moved Toronto's series to Philadelphia.
As a gift, even though the Blue Jays lost 3 home games they will never get back, MLB scheduled this year's series in Toronto.
Roy Halladay is scheduled to pitch on Saturday in front of his former fans, who will likely warmly greet him as he returns to Rogers Centre.
---
One person who probably celebrates Canada Day and the 4th of July is Pierre McGuire of TSN, Versus, and NBC. McGuire lives in Montréal and primarily works for TSN though he spends a lot of time on each side of the border.
That will change this fall as McGuire will be working exclusively for the NBC Group, including Versus. BTW, Versus won't be changing its name right away so you're stuck remembering the name for a few more months.
McGuire will be moving close to the Connecticut studios of Versus. While Ray Ferraro will likely move up to the #1 TSN analyst, there is an opening at TSN and fewer opportunities with NBC/Versus.
While McGuire is sometimes too smart for his own good, his work has been remarkably sharp by U.S. standards. Though part of his appeal was his Canadian approach to the sport, even though he's American.
Newfoundland's history includes The battle of the Somme (Jul 1st, 1916) during WWI.
wikilink: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Newfoundland_Regiment#Battle_of_the_Somme
On the other hand, I just learned (!) that the War of 1812, in North America, is more than Laura Secord and the Nigara Falls Region!
http://www.visit1812.com/history/
Posted by: CQ | July 02, 2011 at 09:21 AM
It's great to hear from you and see what you've been up to. In your blog I feel your enthusiasm for life. thank you.
Posted by: red bottom | November 19, 2011 at 02:21 AM