http://www.lite96.ca

Mary Jones asks: WHY would you even waste one breath (or sentence) responding to this guy? (Trent Clarke March 1^st blog) My hat’s off to you though, you were very diplomatic! You both are the GREATEST - the three of you were, and I do miss “The Coach”. Please don’t change (apart from keeping up with the times & trends of course) you are sooooooooooo loved.

Don answers: I suppose I could have just let him vent and deleted his e-mail, but it was so personal and such an attack on Joanne I couldn’t help myself. I thought I would address the situation just in case others felt the same way. Thank you for your support and thanks for listening.

Dave Belzil writes: Are you going to be passive guides to the offerings of sin city, or do you plan to take a big bite and live it up? Regardless, I’m taking Joanne to the Voodoo lounge at the Rio for one of those 12 dollar Coronas…. sorry Don, but don’t worry, you can keep yourself busy eating 9 lbs of midnight breakfast at the buffet. (Unlimited food vs. wife: don’t make me choose). I look forward to phoning you some morning at 7 to accept a trip!!!!

Don replies: You, Joanne and $12 Coronas? I hope you take lots of money because Joanne loves her Coronas. Good luck and keep your ear to the radio, who knows it could be you off to Las Vegas, and yes we plan to take a big bite.

Karen Pearson writes: Just wanted to say thanks for a little piece of home. We are listening via the internet in Panama City - Republic of Panama and I would love a little of that cold weather right now….its 34C

Joanne replies: I’d take 34C in a minute!! Wanna switch places?

Diane Stephenson asks: When anyone leaves a job, they do not get a severance pay, do you think its right that Bronco gets one?

Don answers: I know what you’re saying, and under normal circumstances a person wouldn’t get severance unless they left the job involuntarily. However that fund was set up to help members of city council establish themselves back into the private sector. Many of these people left good jobs to serve and they need to find work after they leave council. Being Mayor or Alderman is no easy task, it’s not a job I would want. It’s 24/7, the pay is modest and the pressure is incredible. However, do I think Dave Bronconnier should get $130,000 to leave? That seems a bit high, and for many people in this city that’s more that a years salary, for a two income family. I’m not opposed to a transition payment, but it should be a reasonable amount, probably half of what is being paid in this instance.

If you would like to ask Don & Joanne anything then send an e-mail to don.stevens@shaw.ca or joanne.johnson@lite96.rogers.com

Ralph Turnbull writes: Can I just say that Trent is a very big jerk who needs to apologize to Joanne for his rude comments. It wouldn’t be much of a show without your lively conversations and perspectives on the world. I too always wonder why someone who is so negative about the show would continue to listen?? Just a note of support to say I love you guys!!

Don replies: Thanks for the support. For a guy who hated the show, he sure knew a lot about it. Thanks for listening

Jan Myhre writes: Don & Joanne, I was shocked to say the least when I read Trent Clarke’s email to you. Who pee’d in his cereal??? Both of you have given me so much to smile about in the mornings. I’ve listened to you for many years, and you do a great job!! Please Joanne, don’t let one pessimistic person get to you. We love you both!! Keep up the great work!

Don replies: Thank you so much for the e-mail, it means a lot. We love what we do, one cranky e-mail won’t change that.

John Hutchinson writes: Trent should turn to another station. You and Joanne run a first rate show. Keep up the good work. I do miss Coach but will get over it. hutch

Don replies: Thanks for the support, it’s much appreciated. Most of all thanks for listening

If you would like to ask Don & Joanne anything then send an e-mail to don.stevens@shaw.ca or joanne.johnson@lite96.rogers.com

Trent Clarke writes: Now that the Olympics are over and have been a massive success, I pray that you two won’t try to capitalize on it by your overly cheesy patronizing as though if it wasn’t for you the games wouldn’t have been so rewarding. To catch you in the mornings is truly painful. The games belong to all Canadians with or without you and we don’t need to hear your really false praise. On the subject of you carrying the torch for a few feet, you were one of thousands, many of whom were far more classy to have qualified so can you give it a rest at last. Don’t care about your extended family and all the glory you seem to feel you earned by going to schools to show off. Remember your role - you are both nothing more than simple DJ’s playing music to an uninterested audience who are simply trying to get their day started and don’t need the overly self serving egos that the two of two seem to dwell on. Finally we lost the other overly opinionated and egotistical voice to San Francisco - can we expect to hear less of you goons soon? Before you go on air tomorrow, please give us all a break and do what you’re paid to do - music. Don’t care about your dogs and how your weekend went. You are simply servants of the people - no more, no less.

Don replies: It’s always amazed me why people keep reading newspaper columnists they don’t like, watch TV shows they hate or listen to radio programs that annoy them. The wonderful thing about this country is that we have so much choice, so why dwell on things that annoy us rather than find things that are truly enjoyable. Let me be clear, we are not the servants of anyone. We are not disc jockeys (that term went out with Dick Clark). We are entertainers, we talk about the days events, we inject our own life experiences into the conversation and we try and make it interesting and entertaining. Some people love us, some people hate us and some are ambivalent, that’s the way it is in our business and we’re perfectly okay with that. We don’t try to please everyone. We do pride ourselves on being polite, community minded and helpful when possible. We’ve raised millions of dollars for charity and hopefully have touched many people less fortunate than ourselves. My partner Joanne Johnson had the distinct honour of being invited (she didn’t ask) to run into the Children’s Hospital with the Olympic torch, she has subsequently been asked by various schools and organizations to come by and show the torch and share her experience. She neither asked for this nor did she force herself on any of these schools or organizations, she did it for free because she cared and because it was such a wonderful experience. I have no problem with constructive criticism, I don’t even care if you tune us out because you think our program sucks. I do however take exception to you calling out Joanne in a way that isn’t fair, accurate or even very intelligent. Please, if this radio program is as bad as you say, stop listening. The next time you wish to write a poison pen e-mail, you might want to read it out loud and ask yourself, do I really want someone else to read this? Have a nice day

Wendy Campbell (Assistant Principal Briar Hill Elementary School) writes: A big thank you Joanne from all of us at Briar Hill for helping open our own winter Olympic games. Having you and Anna as our torch runners were a definite highlight and made it feel very official. We even had the technical difficulties as special effects. You have won our hearts and we hope to have you back again soon.

Joanne replies: Thank you Wendy, it was truly my pleasure. It really warms my heart to see a staff as passionate about it’s kids as your Briar Hill Crew. Thanks again for asking me to be a part of your special Olympic Celebration

Denise West asks: I am wondering what happened to Coach; perhaps he decided to ‘explore other avenues’? I hope he is alright? I listen to your program on my way to work from about 6:10am to 6:30am (no radio at work) & think that all 3 of you are/were great. You all worked well together & complimented each other wonderfully. I loved your fabulous sense of humour & the fact that you weren’t rude or crude & that you used proper grammar (one of my pet peeves!)!

Joanne replies: After nearly 17 years together Coach left me for another woman….his wife! She lives in California, they got married in August and were finding the distance & travel too much to take. We miss him too but Don & I are looking forward to keeping your mornings Light & Bright! I talk/e-mail with Coach every week, he is doing great and can’t help but rub in the fact that he is sporting shorts and enjoying the California sunshine! Take care and thank you for the kind words, hope you’ll stick with us!

 If you would like to ask Don & Joanne anything then send an e-mail to don.stevens@shaw.ca or joanne.johnson@lite96.rogers.com

Patti Thornhill writes: I was the Fly Away Fridays winner Friday, Feb. 12th and wanted to take a moment to thank you both again so much! This couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I was stunned to realize that I had actually won something. There have been times when I’ve heard you give away prizes and the recipient doesn’t sound very thankful or enthusiastic - and now I understand why this could happen… it is hard to express appreciation when you are not only in shock but in my case half asleep. I was pinching myself while I was on hold trying to be certain that this was real and not part of some smiley dream! Thanks again ‘Guys’ - you really rock and I have listened to you for at least as long as you have been with this radio station. I’m sure you hear this all the time but I just want to express my sincere appreciation of your show with its many insights, discussions, and laughter. I will remain an avid listener.

Don replies: Thanks and once again congratulations, we love giving stuff away especially when it makes people like you so happy. Let us know how the trip goes and yes, we want to see some pictures, we live vicariously through our listeners.

Shelli Kim asks: Hello, Let me begin by saying I listen to your show as often as possible. I enjoy you and Don in the mornings. My family and I , plus another family are looking at taking a vacation to the Riviera. We are looking at the Sandos Caracol Eco. I knew you had been there and wanted your opinion on it. The ages of our group are 10yrs old ( 2 girls) 12yrs ( 1 girl) 14yrs ( 1 boy). Then the adults. I have looked at Trip Advisor and other sites, but no one I know has been there.

Joanne answers: First off, thank you for the kinds words! Don & I love what we do and are glad that like listening, thanks for making my day! I have not been to that resort personally, we have however been to the Bahia Principe/Tulum twice and loved it. We’ve had trip winners actually go back to that resort on their own, one couple have been back at least 4 times. So if I were to recommend a resort in the Mayan Riviera that would be the one.

Donna Sopatyk asks: Don and Joanne, I am planning my honeymoon for mid September for 2 weeks and would like your opinion on what location I could go in Mexico that I wouldn’t be rained out on. You have traveled so much and have seen so many places, and probably have a lot of connections.

Don answers: There are lots of wonderful places to go in Mexico, however September is about the worst time to do it. Ixtapa, Huatulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, The Mayan Riviera but they all have a lot of rain in September. Your best bet is Los Cabos, they have the least days of rain that month. If you don’t want to stay in such a busy place there are lots of wonderful hotels outside of Cabo, we stayed near San Jose just up the coast. It’s about 45 minutes from Cabo and it’s a nice little town. The hotels are good, we stayed at the Crown Plaza and we heard great things about the Westin. Have a great trip and congratulations in advance

If you would like to ask Don & Joanne anything then send an e-mail to don.stevens@shaw.ca or joanne.johnson@lite96.rogers.com

Julee Carr asks: I have a question for you, last week you played a clip from the soon to be released Simon cowell Haiti benifit song the cover version of REM’s Everybody Hurts, I googled it and found it on utube, but have not been able to find it to download on itunes….any advice on when I will be able to get it, I wanted to download it myself and send copies of it to “itunes gift it” for friends. Help! ….PS: How’s coach???

Don answers: The song is now available on iTunes. My understanding was it would be available February 7th, and it was in in Britain, where it’s currently #1, but it took a while to get here. The single is “Everybody Hurts” by Helping Haiti and it will cost $2.58 to download. It’s a great song, so enjoy. PS Coach is doing fine, enjoying San Francisco and sleeping in every morning, lucky devil.

Ilona Varvizi writes: The pictures of your run with the Olympic torch are awesome…especially the last one inside Children’s Hospital….even brought tears in my eyes. I listen to you guys every morning. You’re the best.

Joanne replies: Thank you so much! Running the torch brought tears to my eyes….It was an incredible day, one that I will never forget.

Melissa Lim, Kindergarten Teacher, James Short Memorial School writes: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy life to come to our school with the torch! What an honour for the children to see the torch in person and meet such a great person as yourself! They will remember that moment for the rest of their lives! You are great. Used to listen to your station as a kid and always wanted to meet you. Keep up the good work.

Joanne replies: Thank you so much for the e-mail. I’m pretty sure that I had just as much fun as the kids did, they were soooo cute! It was a pleasure meeting you too, thanks for letting me share my “Olympic Experience”.

Cindi Millman asks: I caught the tail end of a very touching story on your show about a woman & her 18 yr old son that purchased a dog in Lacombe Alberta, but did not hear who they purchased the dog from. Can you share the name of the company in Lacombe that sold the dog to them? Are they a breeder or a rescue dog foundation? What disease did the dog have & it is common?

Don answers: The name of the company is Central Animal Services. Very sad story, as the dog had Parvo and couldn’t be saved. The mother and son ran up a huge vet bill of $3000 and only had the dog for 3 days. We would like to see this company refund the price of the dog (around $400) and the vet bill. We’ll see what happens.

Dave Clemens asks: Don, I have a trivia question for you that I’ve wondered about for some time (I know, I need a life!!) Here goes….back in the early sixties a contemporary of yours, Fred Latremouille was breaking into the Vancouver broadcasting scene on CFUN and then LG. I remember he also played drums for a group called the Classics. I think they made one official single called Latremotion?? but also did a take-off on the Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday”…. it was called “Grubby Thursday”. Do you have any idea if this song ever made it to vinyl or is available in any form?

Don answers: Yes I remember Latremotion by the Classics. They went on to become the Collectors and then Chilliwack, their piano player was Tom Baird a good friend of mine who went on to work at Motown and produce Rare Earth. I worked with Fred at LG in the 70’s and of course he worked at our sister station in Vancouver for many years with his wife Cathy. That song is hard to come by, but this may help. Latremotion was released on London records in 1965 and here’s the number (London 17339). However the flip side was Good Lovin’. No word on Grubby Thursday. You can also find Latremotion on “The History Of Vancouver Rock And Roll, Vol. 2.”

Marnie Shaw asks: What hours were Don, Joanne, and the Coach on the air? What hours are Don and Joanne on the air? The hours appear to be different now with Don and Joanne than they were Don, Joanne, and the Coach. For example, you used to end at 9:00 A.M. and I know that there was one morning last week when you were on and it was after 9:00 A.M. Thank you for clarifying this for me!

Don answers: Don Joanne & the Coach used to be on from 5:30 to 9, Don and Joanne are on from 5:30 to 10. An extra hour of joyfulness from your favourite morning show team. Hope this clarifies it for you.

Bryan Nelson asks: My wife Donna and I are wondering what happened to the Coach. We were away over the whole Xmas Season and came back to him being gone. Could you fill us in on what changed. Thanks Bryan PS The best morning show going!!!!!

Joanne answers: Coach left me for another woman!!!! His wife….imagine that. They have actually moved to California where they are starting their new life together. As much as we miss him, we are thrilled for him! He’s doing great but wishes it would quit raining however I keep reminding him that it could be SNOWING!!!!!

Sara Rego writes: Nice to hear you on the radio this week and I see from today’s pictures that you’re still holding on to that great tan! Louis & I just wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for making us feel so welcome and a part of the Lite 96 family. Words cannot express what this trip has meant to us! It came at a time of hardship over the past few months. The 3 of you always seem to be “guardian angels” for Calgary and the surrounding community. Don, thank you for your kindess and Diane for your smile that can light up a room. May the New Year bring both of you peace, hope, happiness, success and prosperity. You are truly amazing people.

Don replies: Not only are we holding on to the tans, my wife Diane is still holding on to her bug bites. When something likes her, they really really like her. It was indeed at great trip and made ever better by the people who came with us. We’re so glad you enjoyed it and hope that the good feelings will continue though 2010 and beyond. It was a joy for us to be your hosts and hopefully we’ll be able to do it again.

Wanda Lepage asks: We are trying to win one of the Fly Away Fridays trips and are now finally spending some of the points we have saved. My quetion is: to better our chances I was going to put all of my entries in this week. Are the entries that aren’t drawn on the upcoming Friday carried over to the next Friday’s draw? Or do I have to submit separate entries each week for the upcoming Friday? if you could let me know soon I would appreciate it.

Don asnswers: I believe all the entries are carried over, so you don’t have to constantly re-enter, but then again I could be just full of you know what. I’ll pass your e-mail on to our Promotion Director Lisa Usselman, she knows everything.

Lisa replies: Your entries into Flyaway Fridays Puerto Vallarta do carry over from week to week. So any that you enter today will still be valid for the draw two weeks from now and so on! Of course, the more times you enter the better the chances you have at winning!

Sharon MacGowan asks: I have not been listening to you all for a few months now ,so I must be out of the loop. Where is the coach? Read your bios but coach was not there.

Don answers: You’re kidding? I looked at the bio as well and you’re right… he’s gone. We’ll have to call someone. Actually Coach left us for another woman, his wife. She’s been living in San Francisco for the last couple of years and the commute was killing both of them, so they decided to start living together. A kiss of death for any marriage if you ask me. We’ll miss him, but life goes on. Thanks for the e-mail and by the way if you ever check our website and I’m missing, please call someone.

Heather Thompson writes: I have been a faithful fan for years and my husband and I were honored to travel to the other side of the world with all of you some years back (Australia). I look forward to your new Morning Show and am thrilled that one of the changes is that I can now listen to you and Don until 10:00 a.m. - except for the time I am on the CTrain which, unfortunately doesn’t broadcast your show (I only get to listen to the very loud and very bad headphone music of others)…Hey, you guys are in good standing with the Mayor (and better yet, Alderman Rick), maybe you can get your show broadcast on the trains during the morning rush hour.

Joanne replies: As much fun as sleeping in was, it’s great to be back on the air! However, we are still adjusting to that 3am alarm clock. Change is good and as much as we miss Coach, it’s a great opportunity for the Donald & I and if the last two weeks are any indication, we are going to have a ball! Australia was a great trip, remember the morning show broadcast from the ship in the Sydney Harbor at 12 am? Now that was fun. Keep listening, who knows where the jet will be flying next. Thank you for the kind words, Don & I are looking forward to 2010

Frechere Celeste writes: I have been listening to you guys since I came to Calgary in 1987, I am sorry you guys have lost your 3rd Musketeer, do you have room for a New 3rd Musketeer, I would love to apply, how do I, what credentials do I need to have! I am funny outgoing, and love to talk, laugh, and draw people in.

Don replies: Thanks for the offer but it’s going to be just the two of us chickens. We’ll miss Coach but it’s time for us to fly on our own. Chickens can fly right? Oh well, I’m sure it’ll be fine.

Natalie Laurencelle asks: I have been listening to your radio show for a long time. There was a point that you had a lady on the show at 7am on Tuesday mornings, her name I believe is Velvetanne (not certain on how to spell her name). Can you please let me know what her web address is again? It was on the Lite96 website, however I cannot find it anymore. I would be grateful if you can let me know what it is.

Don answers: Her name is indeed Velvetanne and her website is http://www.courteouscanines.ca/.

Henry Braunecker writes: Hi Joanne, I am writing to you from Klagenfurt, Austria and am a regular listener to you and Don’s morning show ever since I was in Calgary last summer. I am having an internet radio which lets me capture many radio stations from all over the world. Lite 96 is among my favourites and I just love listening to you and Don in my afternoon (your morning). My daughter Melly is studying at the University of Calgary at the moment and so I am obviously interested in finding out what is going on in your city. It is a great city indeed and I had a good time staying there in summer. I hope I will be back some time soon. Just go on entertaining Calgary and me here in faraway Austria.

Joanne replies: Thank you so much the kind words..we love hearing from our “faraway” places. I hope your daughter Melly has a very warm winter coat as it is very cold this morning but the good news is that warm weather is on the way for the weekend.

Kathleen Connolly asks: What has happened to Captain Kirk? I leave for work between 6:15-6:20 am and I never hear him anymore! I like listening to you in the mornings! P.S How is Coach adjusting to Pleasantville? Cheers Kathleen Connolly

Don answers: Other then being beamed back to his home planet from time to time, nothing has happened to Captain Kirk. He’s on the radio every morning just like always. Maybe your Little Orphan Annie decoder ring needs recharging, because sometimes the human ear is incapable of deciphering him on it’s own. Coach is the missing one, he seems to be adjusting well as a Walnut Creek house husband, I just don’t want to see him in a frilly apron on a website somewhere, that would just be wrong on some many levels.

Shelley Bradford writes: Glad to have you and Joanne back on the airwaves. I enjoy the show. You were missed.

Don replies: It’s good to be back, who wouldn’t miss getting up at 3 every morning? It’s good to be missed and yes, really, it’s good to be back and sharing our mornings with old friends.

Sara Rego writes: Congratulations Joanne! How proud you must feel to carry the Olympic Torch. We couldn’t think of a better candidate with all that you do for Calgary and the community. We feel extremely proud to know you. We just wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for making us feel so welcome and a part of the Lite 96 family. Words cannot express what this trip has meant to us. Louis and I had undergone several very stressful months in our personal lives prior to this trip and it was almost like a miracle when I received the call from yourself, Don and the Coach. It’s not surprising since the 3 of you always seem to be “guardian angels” for Calgary and the surrounding community. Joanne, you are an extremely wonderful, caring and giving woman. Your sense of humour was better than any cervesa or margarita to us! We are happy to see the New Year has started off with great pride and happiness and wish you good health, bring all of you peace, happiness, success and prosperity. You are truly an amazing person!

Joanne replies: So great to hear from you! I can’t believe it’s almost 2 month since we were enjoying the sunshine and each others company in Huatulco. It was a pleasure meeting you and Louis and I’m so glad the trip came at a time that you could both really use to sit back and relax. As for the Olympic Torch Run, I am still flying high. It was so much fun and to be able to continue my segment into the Children’s Hospital is a moment I will never forget. Thank you so much for the kinds words Sara, you were both so easy to be with and I loved your company. Take care of each other and have a wonderful 2010 & Beyond

Faun Lusty writes: : I work at the Children’s hospital, and I have to commend you on your torch run here (Tuesday morning). It was a very exciting event for all the staff, parents, kids, and the public present. You spoke so well, and really were both proud and humble in your being chosen as a torch bearer. You also managed to make it more “real” to thousands of listeners, and to ignite the Olympic spirit in many, myself included. Thank you for representing Calgary and it’s citizens so well.

Joanne replies: Thank you for the e-mail and your kind words. It was an honor & a privilege to run with the Olympic Torch but I must say the icing on the cake was taking it into the Children’s Hospital. You and your co-workers are the ones who are to be commended. It takes a special breed of person to do what you do and on behalf of the parents & kids, allow me to thank YOU! Have a great 2010 & “Go Canada Go”

Lori De Witt writes: I was at Alberta Children’s Hospital (Tuesday) morning when you ran the torch in, and the honour of meeting you during the after-time when you were posing with everyone. I told you about my 16-month daughter Eleanor (we call her Ellie) who has pneumonia and was in isolation as standard H1N1 protocol for respiratory-related illness. I wanted to tell you that you were a real blessing to not only me but our nurses today too. Ellie and I had two nurses today and neither of them were able to whip out and see the torch or post-events that were happening, so I was able to show them my pictures on my camera and they were just so excited. I am sure you hear this all the time, but thank you for the work you do and your involvement in the community, and thank you for the hug and chat. You really blessed and encouraged me. I was hoping to send you a photo of my daughter and I from today, but I can’t on this system so if you don’t remember who I am, it’s alright. I hope you have a fantastic day!

Joanne replies: I absolutely remember our conversation. Meeting you was one of the highlights of my day, I can tell you are an amazing Mom to Ellie and I wish her a speedy recovery. Thank you for the kind words, I am humbled by parents like you who are going through so much and are still such a bright light in this world. Yesterday was a career highlight me for sure and a moment in time I will never forget. Thank you for sharing your story and as nice as the Children’s Hospital is I hope that Ellie gets to come home…soon!

Bonnie Meiklejohn asks: Are you starting your Christmas Music non stop starting Dec. 1^st?

Don answers: That’s a great question and I don’t have the answer but I know people. I’ll forward your e-mail to our Program Director, if he doesn’t know then we’re all in trouble

Gavin Tucker (Program Director) replies: Don’s right, that IS a good question. Don’s also smart enough to not be the guy who has to give the vague (you might even say evasive) answer. Believe it or not, the timing of the flipping of the switch for Christmas music is like the Colonel’s secret recipe. We’re in a very competitive situation here, so it’s literally top secret. I’d love to be able to tell you, but honestly we haven’t 100% decided yet. Stay tuned !

Pam McKinnon writes: Just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you. I was one of the lucky ones who won a trip to Puerto Vallarta. I still can’t believe my good fortune! My hubby and I have not been on a holiday by ourselves since our honeymoon 19.5 years ago, so we will be sure to make the best of this one. We both celebrate our birthdays in December, so are hoping to arrange the trip around this. Thanks again

Joanne replies: We are incredibly happy for you too! What a great way for you and your hubby to celebrate your “almost” 20 years of marriage and your birthdays Have a shot of tequila for us.

Stacey Kowbel writes: My husband and I won tickets to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra last night. I just wanted to say thank you as it was a fabulous concert! I haven’t been to many concerts, but this one was definitely the best one I’ve been to. I also want to wish Coach all the best – he will be missed. Thanks again!

Don replies: We’re so glad you enjoyed the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, we’ve been hearing some good reviews from other winners as well. I’ll pass along your best wishes to Coach who is, coincidentally, moving to Siberia to be closer to his relatives the polar bears. No wait, he’s moving to San Francisco to be with his wife Lorelei, I keep getting confused about this.

Jocelyne Caldwell asks: I listen to you every morning but this morning I was late and only caught the last few minutes of your show. I did not get an opportunity to write down your guests names or business and I would like to purchase a gift certificate from the woman who has a cooking school. Can you provide that information to me?

Don answers: Her name is Kimi Rutz and the company is Nanatari. Check out her website a www.nanatari.com or e-mail her at kimi@nanatari.com. Our other guest’s name is Barbara Forster from Sweetly Speaking Inc. and her website is www.sweetlyspeaking.com. They bought us at the Don Joanne & the Coach Golf A Kid To Camp tournament live auction and for $6700 they got to co-host the show. Good deal huh?

Deanna Myson asks: Hi Don, I love hearing your stories about Andrew and Carrigan as we too have a Westie. He’s certainly a beloved member of our family. I was wondering if you could send me the contact information for the Westie gathering that happens every Sept. I’ve tried Google to find the information and haven’t had any success. I remember you mentioning in the past that you’ve taken the clan. I’d appreciate any information you could provide. PS. I love the pics of the Andrew and Carrigan on Velvetanne’s link. Our Shadow looks a lot like Andrew.

Don answers: The Westie Walk is always the 3rd Sunday in September at Confederation Park. Registration at 10, walk at 11. It was a wet one this year but almost 100 Westies showed up and it was a blast. Our “Dog Lady” Velvetanne showed up and she was blown away by all the little white dogs and how much fun it was. Andrew behaved himself this year, because Velvet was there, last year he was a very bad boy. Hope to see you there next year. All proceeds go to Westie Rescue

Irene Brown asks: Can you please tell me the name of the book you mentioned on the radio this morning? It was written by a woman who takes in foster children.

Don answers: The name of the book is “Dream Outloud” by Nancy McPhee. It’s an incredible story told about a young foster child (whom the McPhee’s adopted) and his amazing spirit and generosity. We met the McPhees at a Foster Parents lunch and they are incredible and inspirational, like so many of the foster parents we met at that day. The book would make a great stocking stuffer.

Teresa Trottman asks: I heard you talking today about the “pawsitively” something dog rescue from Mexico. I forget the website you mentioned and would love to help out with the dogs. Could you please remind me of the website address.

Don answers: The name of the organization is Pawsitive Match Rescue and the website is www.pawsitivematch.org. I ran into these people on my way home from Cabo last year at Christmas and they were bring back 3 beautiful dogs. They do great work, with lots of volunteers including vets, but I’m sure it’s heartbreaking. Whatever support you can give organizations like this would, I’m sure, be much appreciated.

Kathleen Connolly writes: You were just talking about the mess that has been made of distributing the H1N1 vaccine. I work in a day care, maybe I am selfish, but I think daycare workers should be close to the front of the line. Right before hockey players!

Don replies: Lots of people think they should be a little higher on the vaccine chain than hockey players. Nurses, Doctors, Firefighters, Police, EMS workers hospital patients and the list goes on. However the government in their wisdom did not feel it necessary to have a priority list. This was poorly thought out and what’s really galling is they had months to prepare. It’s not like they were taken by surprise, we were warned by the Federal government and the WHO. Now at the time only about 35 to 40% of the population said they wanted the vaccine, but still, front line workers should have been first. Then those in high risk categories should have been next. The rest of us, if we chose to, could the get the shots after that, but lots of people that were not at risk received the shots first and people like you, who have to deal with children everyday were left behind. The people responsible for giving the Flames their shots have been fired, but it seems to me the people responsible for this total screw up in Alberta should be under the microscope as well, and lets hope the province has learned from it. No wait, it’s the government, what was I thinking

Anne Robertson writes: I must have been living under a rock or something as I have just now heard that Coach will be leaving the show. Please let him know that he will be greatly missed. I am sure that dividing his time between here and San Francisco has been quite a strain. I wish him and Lorieli all the best. Please, please tell me that Don and Joanne will continue until the end of time. I don’t believe that I cound get out of bed to go to work without you. It is always a struggle when you are on holidays.

Don replies: I hope it was a comfy rock, well heated and most importantly with cable. Yes Coach is leaving and yes he will be missed. Mostly because he used to bring baking to work and he was great at getting us invitations to wine tastings and restaurant openings. However Joanne and I will continue and I’ll mention to management about an “end of time” clause but I have a feeling they may have a smidge of a problem with that. Coach’s last show will be from Mexico Monday November 30th , the Don and Joanne show will make it’s debut Monday January 18th.