FFWD Weekly
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| LETTER Edmonton Journal columnist Linda Goyette recently lamented that "the rivalry between Alberta's two largest cities (is a) worn-out, tired, weary and exhausted cliché." It is mostly the invention of under-employed journalists in search of an easy topic, she asserts, and makes us look like country bumpkins to the rest of Canada. It is pointless and destructive. Oh... and it's also the fault of mean-spirited Calgarians. I contend that the combativeness between our two cities is a simple case of sibling rivalry - perfectly natural and mostly harmless. It adds character and color to our cities, bolstering pride amongst our respective citizens and creating a greater sense of place to recent arrivals. The Labour Day Classic fills McMahon Stadium to capacity every year because it's the dreaded Eskimos who are visiting. No one remembers the playoff series in which the Flames defeated Chicago or Minnesota, but do we ever treasure the memory of sending the Oilers packing in '86. I feel sorry for the citizens of orphan cities like Winnipeg, who have no ugly twin to taunt and tease. And now, in the spirit of conciliation, I offer 15 reasons why Edmonton is a great place to live: 1) It is within a one-hour drive of its own international airport. 2) Doesn't suffer the symptoms of a booming economy. 3) It is rat free. 4) It is only a one-hour drive to Vegreville. 5) The city centre is very, uh... peaceful. 6) For six months the industrial blight is concealed by pretty white snow. 7) There's always the river valley. 8) Laid-back environment where sweatpants are considered appropriate apparel for dining out. 9) Is a short drive from the nearest muskeg. 10) Hosts the annual Klondike Days, which is famous throughout the greater Edmonton area. 11) Peter Pocklington. 12) Pint-sized office towers don't block out the sun. 13) Isn't overwhelmed by tourists. 14) An excellent selection of Loonie Plus stores. 15) Most international flights are routed through beautiful Calgary! Rob Jobst |