James Fraser (University of Guelph)
@jamesefraser.bsky.social
history professor • Canadian football history • finishing book on Toronto Argonauts, 1873-1956 • member, Canadian Football Research Soc, Pro Football Researchers Assoc, Argonauts historical committee • tempora mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Looking to book a speaker?
I offer talks in the Greater Toronto Area based on my non-fiction books about wrongful convictions, bank robbers, scams + a WW1 war crime involving a Canadian hospital ship.
Details natehendley.ca/presentations/
@dundurnpress.bsky.social @crimewriterscanada.bsky.social
I offer talks in the Greater Toronto Area based on my non-fiction books about wrongful convictions, bank robbers, scams + a WW1 war crime involving a Canadian hospital ship.
Details natehendley.ca/presentations/
@dundurnpress.bsky.social @crimewriterscanada.bsky.social
Presentations
I offer online and in-person presentations. I am available to speak at libraries, schools, bookstores, etc., anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). My presentations are all roughly one hour in…
natehendley.ca
December 8, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Looking to book a speaker?
I offer talks in the Greater Toronto Area based on my non-fiction books about wrongful convictions, bank robbers, scams + a WW1 war crime involving a Canadian hospital ship.
Details natehendley.ca/presentations/
@dundurnpress.bsky.social @crimewriterscanada.bsky.social
I offer talks in the Greater Toronto Area based on my non-fiction books about wrongful convictions, bank robbers, scams + a WW1 war crime involving a Canadian hospital ship.
Details natehendley.ca/presentations/
@dundurnpress.bsky.social @crimewriterscanada.bsky.social
Eep. Is it a coincidence that this report is coming to light shortly after McGill's announcement of its intention to axe a wide range of athletic programs?
McGill report claims Montreal Alouettes’ stadium turf ‘dangerous,’ will cost $1.75 million to repair
3downnation.com/2025/12/06/m...
#CFL #Alouettes #AlsMTL #McGill
3downnation.com/2025/12/06/m...
#CFL #Alouettes #AlsMTL #McGill
December 6, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Eep. Is it a coincidence that this report is coming to light shortly after McGill's announcement of its intention to axe a wide range of athletic programs?
Good man! And good pickup by @3downnation.bsky.social
It's dumb, and it's sad, but this kind of thing does matter. So thank you Drake.
It's dumb, and it's sad, but this kind of thing does matter. So thank you Drake.
Canadian rap icon Drake caught on video rocking vintage Toronto Argonauts jersey
3downnation.com/2025/12/06/c...
#CFL #Argos #PullTogether #ChampagnePapi #Drake
3downnation.com/2025/12/06/c...
#CFL #Argos #PullTogether #ChampagnePapi #Drake
December 6, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Good man! And good pickup by @3downnation.bsky.social
It's dumb, and it's sad, but this kind of thing does matter. So thank you Drake.
It's dumb, and it's sad, but this kind of thing does matter. So thank you Drake.
The dense clouds of rumour and obfuscation that have swirled around and around John Murphy, obscuring how he has or has not been involved in key personnel and other decisions, have been irksome for some time. Small wonder his apparent exit is no less murky.
Jim Barker rejoining Toronto Argonauts in player personnel role
3downnation.com/2025/12/05/j...
#CFL #Argos #PullTogether
3downnation.com/2025/12/05/j...
#CFL #Argos #PullTogether
December 5, 2025 at 10:42 PM
The dense clouds of rumour and obfuscation that have swirled around and around John Murphy, obscuring how he has or has not been involved in key personnel and other decisions, have been irksome for some time. Small wonder his apparent exit is no less murky.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Morris went on to coach the Argos to 3 straight Grey Cups in 1945–47, and served as their chief Canadian scout from 1956 until his death in 1965. In terms of total contribution to the Double Blue as player, coach and executive, I think Pinball Clemons is his only rival in 153 years of club history.
December 5, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Morris went on to coach the Argos to 3 straight Grey Cups in 1945–47, and served as their chief Canadian scout from 1956 until his death in 1965. In terms of total contribution to the Double Blue as player, coach and executive, I think Pinball Clemons is his only rival in 153 years of club history.
I often talk about the "Canadian cringe" in relation to the history of how Canadian football has been viewed. (A concept stolen from the "Caledonian cringe" discussed in Scotland.) Here's another example of that predisposition to doubt ourselves.
#topoli #cdnpoli The importance of seeing & noticing instead of just accepting explanations. Turns out Canada’s economy isn’t actually worse than Alabama’s, or whichever basketcase we were compared to back in the summer. Turns out the stats weren’t right… 🙄 www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Economy was on stronger footing heading into trade war, Statscan revisions show
GDP numbers from recent years partly reframe narrative around Canada’s weak productivity, declining living standards
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:13 PM
I often talk about the "Canadian cringe" in relation to the history of how Canadian football has been viewed. (A concept stolen from the "Caledonian cringe" discussed in Scotland.) Here's another example of that predisposition to doubt ourselves.
I thought Coach Miller handled that first "interview" very well. The lads were obviously very impressed by his (NFL) resumé; and by the fact he'd been listening to the show.
Don't miss new head coach of the @torontoargos.bsky.social, Mike Miller, tomorrow morning on #FirstUp at 9:00am!
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
December 4, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I thought Coach Miller handled that first "interview" very well. The lads were obviously very impressed by his (NFL) resumé; and by the fact he'd been listening to the show.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Don't miss new head coach of the @torontoargos.bsky.social, Mike Miller, tomorrow morning on #FirstUp at 9:00am!
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
December 4, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Don't miss new head coach of the @torontoargos.bsky.social, Mike Miller, tomorrow morning on #FirstUp at 9:00am!
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
LISTEN LIVE: www.iheart.com/live/tsn-105...
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
We’re looking for recent PhDs from outside the UK / not UK citizens who are interested in working with @icshc.bsky.social for a #sporthistory postdoc application through the British Academy International Fellowship #skystorians 🗃️
networks.h-net.org/group/discus...
networks.h-net.org/group/discus...
Postdoc Opportunity at DMU's International Centre for Sports History and Culture | H-Net
De Montfort University's International Centre for Sports History and Culture is open to individuals outside the UK who would be interested in applying for the British Academy International Fellowship:...
networks.h-net.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We’re looking for recent PhDs from outside the UK / not UK citizens who are interested in working with @icshc.bsky.social for a #sporthistory postdoc application through the British Academy International Fellowship #skystorians 🗃️
networks.h-net.org/group/discus...
networks.h-net.org/group/discus...
Not even believable. Indeed.
Wikipedia tells me that "in 2006, Somalis in [Minnesota] accounted for $164–$394 million in purchasing power and owned 600 businesses". Was Obama POTUS in 2006?
Wikipedia tells me that "in 2006, Somalis in [Minnesota] accounted for $164–$394 million in purchasing power and owned 600 businesses". Was Obama POTUS in 2006?
Trump, continued: "What the Somalian people have done to Minnesota is not even believable. It’s not even believable. And a lot of it starts with the governor. A lot of it starts with Barack HUSSEIN Obama, because that’s when people started coming in... They want to kiss our country good night."
December 4, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Not even believable. Indeed.
Wikipedia tells me that "in 2006, Somalis in [Minnesota] accounted for $164–$394 million in purchasing power and owned 600 businesses". Was Obama POTUS in 2006?
Wikipedia tells me that "in 2006, Somalis in [Minnesota] accounted for $164–$394 million in purchasing power and owned 600 businesses". Was Obama POTUS in 2006?
So, we're about to watch the Trump administration simultaneously court martial one Admiral for obeying their illegal orders, court martial a second Admiral for refusing to obey their illegal orders, and court martial a retired officer for reminding troops not to obey illegal orders.
December 3, 2025 at 2:20 PM
So, we're about to watch the Trump administration simultaneously court martial one Admiral for obeying their illegal orders, court martial a second Admiral for refusing to obey their illegal orders, and court martial a retired officer for reminding troops not to obey illegal orders.
Congratulations to Coach Mike Miller, who, depending on how one counts, today becomes the 52nd (if old-style captain-coaches are excluded) or the 65th head coach of the Toronto Argonauts in their 153-year history.
[N.B. 2026 marks exactly 50 years since the job was last held by a Canadian.]
[N.B. 2026 marks exactly 50 years since the job was last held by a Canadian.]
December 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Congratulations to Coach Mike Miller, who, depending on how one counts, today becomes the 52nd (if old-style captain-coaches are excluded) or the 65th head coach of the Toronto Argonauts in their 153-year history.
[N.B. 2026 marks exactly 50 years since the job was last held by a Canadian.]
[N.B. 2026 marks exactly 50 years since the job was last held by a Canadian.]
Highest-paid until February (or possibly sooner).
Montreal Alouettes make Tyson Philpot highest-paid Canadian receiver in CFL
3downnation.com/2025/12/02/m...
#Montreal #Alouettes #AlsMTL #CFL
3downnation.com/2025/12/02/m...
#Montreal #Alouettes #AlsMTL #CFL
December 2, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Highest-paid until February (or possibly sooner).
Some topical Toronto media history
From the vaults: Franklin publisher Kids Can Press was once owned by the Nelvana animation studio, who I wrote about earlier this fall for Toronto Today @torontotoday.ca
(For a seasonal tie-in, this piece also talks about the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special)
www.torontotoday.ca/local/histor...
(For a seasonal tie-in, this piece also talks about the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special)
www.torontotoday.ca/local/histor...
How a Toronto animation studio that once wowed George Lucas made it to the big leagues
After news broke this month that Corus is pausing production at Nelvana, historian Jamie Bradburn looks back at how the local company grew into an animation giant
www.torontotoday.ca
December 2, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Some topical Toronto media history
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
A big thank you to the Professional Footballers' Association for making us so welcome during our @icshc.bsky.social FIFA Master field visit this week and for allowing the class to learn more about the vital work being carried out to support both men and women's players in the professional game.
December 2, 2025 at 12:16 PM
A big thank you to the Professional Footballers' Association for making us so welcome during our @icshc.bsky.social FIFA Master field visit this week and for allowing the class to learn more about the vital work being carried out to support both men and women's players in the professional game.
From the Nazi bird app.
December 2, 2025 at 2:49 AM
From the Nazi bird app.
One hopes that US military personnel now in doubt about whether to obey illegal orders are watching as these cowards, to protect themselves, throw the pilots under the bus who followed their orders to murder people in cold blood.
December 1, 2025 at 9:24 PM
One hopes that US military personnel now in doubt about whether to obey illegal orders are watching as these cowards, to protect themselves, throw the pilots under the bus who followed their orders to murder people in cold blood.
For Guelph, the equivalent response would happen at the Wellington Street bridge over the Hanlon expressway.
Londoners ‘take back’ bridge following white nationalist rally in same spot #London #Ontario
Roughly 30 men stood on the Wortley Road overpass holding a “remigration now” sign on Nov. 23
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Roughly 30 men stood on the Wortley Road overpass holding a “remigration now” sign on Nov. 23
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Londoners ‘take back’ bridge following white nationalist rally in same spot | CBC News
Dozens of Londoners gathered on the Wortley Road overpass Sunday afternoon to spread a message of "community." Their party is in response to a demonstration on Nov. 23, where roughly 30 masked men sto...
www.cbc.ca
December 1, 2025 at 5:35 PM
For Guelph, the equivalent response would happen at the Wellington Street bridge over the Hanlon expressway.
Beautifully executed - with a powerful, mind-expanding final line. I can't recall ever seeing our current socio-political state described this well before. For one thing, it explains the contribution of social media, with their capacity to shape what we think is "normal".
Seconded. That last line hits hard.
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Beautifully executed - with a powerful, mind-expanding final line. I can't recall ever seeing our current socio-political state described this well before. For one thing, it explains the contribution of social media, with their capacity to shape what we think is "normal".
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
November 29, 2025 at 11:01 PM
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1965: 20-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
CEO-to-worker pay ratio in 1990: 75-1
CEO-to-worker pay ratio today: 280-to-1
Trickle-down economics was always a sham.
Nothing has ever trickled down.
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
Imagine if they just subsidized newspapers and magazines the way they’re subsidizing this slop
"All of this falls apart if humans don't adopt the tech. This is why you've seen Meta cram its lame chatbots into WhatsApp and Instagram. This is why Notepad and Paint now have useless Copilot buttons on Windows. This is why Google Gemini wants to "help you" read and reply to your emails."
Analysis: OpenAI is a loss-making machine, how can it survive?
Don't call it a bubble! Loss-making monster OpenAI is on the hook for $1.4 trillion (with a T) in compute commitments. How can this go on?
www.windowscentral.com
November 30, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Imagine if they just subsidized newspapers and magazines the way they’re subsidizing this slop
Reposted by James Fraser (University of Guelph)
And he made Janet run all that defence for a while, before the horrors of ICE cranked way up. When the belligerence to Canada was on going. Now he still does this.
Celebrities, meh, but this one was forced on us like some Canadian monarch. Boo him. Laugh at him. Forget him.
Celebrities, meh, but this one was forced on us like some Canadian monarch. Boo him. Laugh at him. Forget him.
Trump went golfing with Wayne Gretzky today. That's FOX host Brett Baier on the right. Trump posted this on his Truth Social account.
November 30, 2025 at 5:02 PM
And he made Janet run all that defence for a while, before the horrors of ICE cranked way up. When the belligerence to Canada was on going. Now he still does this.
Celebrities, meh, but this one was forced on us like some Canadian monarch. Boo him. Laugh at him. Forget him.
Celebrities, meh, but this one was forced on us like some Canadian monarch. Boo him. Laugh at him. Forget him.
I was talking about this the other day. Moreover, it's hard to remember the last really good personnel decision MLSE has made in relation to front offices.
November 29, 2025 at 10:39 PM
I was talking about this the other day. Moreover, it's hard to remember the last really good personnel decision MLSE has made in relation to front offices.
That's an average of 28 per team, just below 2/3 (63%) of the entire roster. If you think the rouge contributes more to attendance issues than this much roster fluidity/uncertainty, you've been radicalized. Any fan with kids will tell you the impact favourite players leaving has on actual fans.
November 28, 2025 at 7:25 PM
That's an average of 28 per team, just below 2/3 (63%) of the entire roster. If you think the rouge contributes more to attendance issues than this much roster fluidity/uncertainty, you've been radicalized. Any fan with kids will tell you the impact favourite players leaving has on actual fans.