http://www.92citifm.ca

Well if you read my blog from last week, you’ll see that I was little upset/concerned about how things were going for Canada at the winter games.  That being said though, there were several of “us” wondering what was going on after week one of the games.  What had happened to the OWN THE PODIUM program?  Why were Canadians coming up short in so many disipline’s?

Well week two managed to shut everyone up….including me.  We pulled off quite the medal haul in the last 5 to 7 days of the games….with the number of gold medals won, breaking a record.  No other nation, who has hosted the winter games, has ever won more gold than we did this time out.  What changed?  What turned things around?                    My thought?  The first gold medal win by Alexandre Bilodeau.  That seemed to take the pressure off the rest of the Canucks competing…..and let them know that….you know what?  It’s okay to win !

I must say I totally and completely enjoyed my “Olympic experience” this time round.  In fact, am already worried about Olympic withdrawl today.  What the heck am I now going to watch when I get home ?  Guess it’s back to CNN and MSNBC !

The Canadian athletes made me proud….made us proud…….and, as Vancouver organizer John Furlong said….”these games brought us together as a nation.” 

Couldn’t agree more…….

 GO CANADA !

So, I’ve been absolutely consumed watching Olympic coverage for the past 10 days.  I’ve always been an Olympic fan….something about the purity of sport….seeing other countries rise and fall…..etc.

That being said though, I have been quite upset about how these games have unfolded.  Personally, I think the “gaffaw” at the opening ceremonies kinda set the stage for a series of problems with these games.  Since the tragic loss of a Georgian luger that same day, there has been one issue after another it seems.   From so called “green buses” breaking down, (while taking atheletes to their events) to “green zamboni’s” tearing up the speed skating track, to people not being able to get up close and personal with the Olympic torch….it just seems there’s one embarassing situation after another.  (do I need mention the Canadian hockey team?)

Also, what happened to OWN THE PODIUM ? Before these games began, pundits had predicted Canada would come away with their biggest medal haul ever.  In fact, almost everyone thought we would finish first in the medal standings.  Ummmm….guess they were wrong?  The Americans are so far, ruling the day.    Why is that ???  Could it be that “American arrogance” helps athletes excel?  Are we as Canadians too polite and laid back to get on the podium?  I wonder…….

Would love to hear your thought’s on this……..

As Joe mentioned on the air this morning……

It seems that most people are walking a little “happier” these days, thanks in good part to the weather.  How blessed we’ve been in the last week or so, with temperatures staying waaayyy above normal.  The good news is that, that should continue for at least the next several days.  The bad news?  Well, there is a LOW pressure system developing south of us…which could mean a bit of a change in the weather this weekend.  Not sure exactly what will happen, as “we’re” still not sure which direction this thing will go.  But, wanted to give ya all a heads up that “something is brewin” for the weekend.  Make sure you stay tuned…we should know more by Wednesday…..

Enjoy the warmth !

Sadly, nothing like an absolute tragedy half way around the world, to make you realize how lucky we really are. 

The Haitian earthquake is dominating the headlines…..and, as sad as I am for the people of that country, it did make me stop and realize how good we have it here.  Really…what is our biggest beef?  Windchill?  A -40 W.C. doesn’t usually kill…..unless you’re out there running naked.  Here in Manitoba, we don’t deal with hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunami’s.  Even tornado’s are pretty rare.  Yes….for 5 to 6 month’s of the year, we shiver in the cold, but, that is a part of our daily lives.  Not something that hits us by surprise.  We know the cold is coming…we know how to deal with it.

Please take a moment to stop and think about that next time you’re bitchin about how bad things are here.  Also, if you can find it in your heart and wallet, why not make a donation to the Haitian relief efforts.  You can try either the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. 

www.salvationarmy.ca      www.redcross.ca

Life is good my friends…….life is good……… 

A belated Happy New Year to all !

 So, are you one of the thousands who made a New Year’s resolution?  Gotta tell ya I gave up on that game, years ago.  Sadly, too many years went by where those resolution’s were never met, or even attempted….so, I’ve now decided why bother?  That being said though, one of the top 3 resolution’s in the world….losing weight….is peaking my interest.  I mentioned this story on the air a few days ago….

Before Xmas, in fact, right around 92’s Bed In, I purchased some new jeans.  Decided I would put them away for the New Year….you know….a new outfit for a new decade?!  Well, I don’t know what happened but, I “attempted” to put them on for the first day back at work…January 4th…and, THEY DIDN’T FIT.  Whassup with that?  I did do due diligence in purchasing them…tried them on before I bought….they fit just fine.  Now?  Not so much.  I knew that any small good eating habits I have went out the window over the holidays….but, holy crap !  How much did I really eat?  Tried in vain to get those bloody things on, even did the “lying on the bed trying to do up the zipper routine” to no avail. 

So, guess I do have one resolution to conquer…..gotta get into those jeans !

Cheers to celery sticks and broccoli !

This past weekend, it was the annual CITY CATS–Winnipeg Urban Fishing Derby, down at the Forks.  This is an incredible event, which not only promotes the sport of fishing, (in our own backyard) but, raises money for the Never Alone Foundation in support of CancerCare Manitoba.  The event is free to enter, but, donation’s were accepted through-out the day for N.A.F.  (happy to report that over 6 thousand dollars was raised that day)

Todd Longley, the “Rock n Roll Fisherman” and, owner of City Cats, puts an immense amount of work into this event each year….rounding up thousands of dollars in prizes, getting hundreds of volunteers to help out, and making sure everyone who attends has a good time.  I can tell you that everyone I spoke with that day, was thrilled to be there…including myself.  What a ton of fun we all had.

1st place winner this year went to Jason Guziak.  He pulled in a 84 c.m. Channel Catfish.  Obviously Jason was thrilled….especially when he saw the brand new boat he won for that lucky catch !

In the Kids category…..first place went to Evan Leggero.  “Little Evan” also caught a monster Channel Cat….79 c.m. in length.

 This is/was such an incredible event !  How blessed we all are to be able to get up on a Saturday morning, head down to the river-bank with hundreds of others, and spend a great day fishing ! 

Kudos once again go out to Todd Longley……this guy works soooo hard each year on this event….and each year, it gets bigger and better !  (if you have a chance check out Todd’s web site at www.citycats.ca)

 Cheers !

Wanted to give you all a heads up on a great kick off to next week’s long weekend !  On Friday, September 4th, I’ll be broadcasting live from Cabala’s on Ellice Avenue from 2 until 6 p.m. 

Would love for you all to drop by, check out the incredible store and everything in it.  Plus, we’ll have a ton of give-aways to hand out….and perhaps some “surprise” fishing guests might be dropping by.

Mark it on your calendars…….Cabala’s…..Friday…..September 4th….2 til 6 p.m. !!

Wanted to give you all a heads up about a great little event happening in Osborne Village this weekend.

The A.N.A.F. legion is holding its first annual community corn roast on Sunday, August 30th.  The club is located at 3-433 River Avenue.  Organizers are inviting everyone down, (member or not) starting at 1 p.m.  There will not only be great food on hand, but music as well.  (price by the way….ONLY  3.50 a person for all ya can eat !)

Gotta tell ya, this place is great !  And, it’s always a good thing to remember our Vets !

Snap-shot below is taken from the recent Shaw Kenora Bass International.  This is a huge fishing tourney which has run for 22 years !  This year, I was fortunate enough to be asked to host the 3 day event, along with one Mr. Steven Wintemute….founder/editor of HOOKED MAGAZINE !  (if ya love fishin….you gotta grab his mag !)  Steven and I spent 3 days callin the shots from the harbourfront, watching the “tears and cheers” from both the fishermen/fisherwomen and, the huge crowd on hand.  Shaw did a terrific job of broadcasting the entire event, culminating with a national broadcast on the final day.

This tournament weekend is one to definitely mark down in your books as, the entire town of Kenora comes alive !

 Cheers !