The world-wide frenzy for information about Michael Jackson has been non-stop.
We hear that the King of Pop left behind more un-released music than Elvis did.
The latest bit of video to be ‘leaked’ is this rehearsal footage. On the Tuesday before he died, his colaborators were saying he seemed healthy, happy and ready to entertain.
Judge for yourself:

Full Story

America’s Got Talent kicked off this week and already we may have found the Susan Boyle of that competition.

As most of you are aware…Miss Boyle had an incredible impact on the world when she won the audience and judges over when she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables …now Kevin Skinner may have done the same thing.

Watch and see for yourself.

Full Story

Be proud. It’s our 142nd birthday. Maybe we’ll see you at Science North for EZ Rock’s Canada Day Idol!!
I typed in ‘Youtube Canada Day’ and got this.
The question at the Griffin household was: “Who has time to do this??”
En-Joy!

Full Story

Where do we go from here? It’s obvious the message is not getting out there.
The latest? Three more people were charged with impaired driving over the weekend. Their ages……….73, 56 and 22.
This would suggest that we have a problem that affects each and every generation. (It’s not just young people getting behind the wheel after drinking!)
There’s frustration, anger, sadness and bitterness as a result.
What should we do? Is it time to treat adults like children when it comes to drinking and driving? Do we turn offenders into permanent pedestrians, as one listener suggested? You can comment below or call our Rich and Gary Listen Line at 525-7271.
Tomorrow morning, after 7, our guests will be the Chief of Police, Frank Elsner and the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Rick Bartolucci.
Please join us tomorrow.

Full Story

More celebrities have issued statements reacting to MICHAEL JACKSON’s death:

-PAUL MCCARTNEY, who has had a contentious relationship with Michael over the years, posted a note on his website saying, “It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.”

-The band COLDPLAY said via Twitter, “MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever.”

-DIANA ROSS, who was Michael’s mentor, said, “I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

–At DAVID COOK’s Friday night concert in Denver, he told the crowd that he’d considered performing his famous version of “Billie Jean” that night as a tribute to Michael. He explained, however, that since his band hadn’t practiced the song, he instead asked to have the house lights brought down for a moment of silence.

-PAULA ABDUL, who started her choreography career working with the entire Jackson family, said via Twitter, “I was mesmerized every time I watched Michael rehearse and then transform on stage. He was a magical genius and his legend will live on forever.”

-THE FRAY didn’t issue a statement, but their rep tells us that at their concert Thursday night in Long Island, New York, they performed “Man In the Mirror” as a tribute to Michael. The band was bumped off NBC’s Today show on Friday to make room for Michael Jackson coverage.

-COLBIE CAILLAT said via Twitter, “So heartbreaking about Michael Jackson. He has inspired so many people around the world in so many different ways to better their lives, either by learning his dance moves, making music like him, listening to his music, dancing to it, falling in love to it! He will be missed.”

-THE JONAS BROTHERS said via Twitter, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a music hero. R.I.P. Michael Jackson. You have and always will be an inspiration.”

-CHRIS BROWN, often compared to Michael because of his singing and dancing talent, said, “Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy….He’s the greatest… the best ever. No one will ever be better.”

-FERGIE, who was featured on the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller, said, “We have lost one of the greatest icons of all time. He forever set the bar for entertainers all around the world.”

-Singer/songwriter NE-YO, who had been asked to write songs for Michael’s next CD, said, “Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music.”

-From Australia, PINK stated via Twitter that she had dedicated her show on Thursday night to, quote, “the memory and genius of Michael Jackson.” She added, “My dancers all busted out his moves when I introduced them. My guitar player did the moonwalk in cowboy boots. It was amazing.”

-Director STEVEN SPIELBERG issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly saying, “Just as there will never be another FRED ASTAIRE or CHUCK BERRY or ELVIS PRESLEY, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.”

-Director MARTIN SCORSESE, who directed Michael’s video “Bad,” said, “I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.”

-Rapper KANYE WEST, who collaborated with Michael on the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller, simply posted a photo of him on his website along with the caption, “Thank you for everything, Mike.”

-BETTE MIDLER said, quote, “I loved Michael Jackson from the first moment I laid eyes on him as a young performer and over all the years of his career. I never wavered for a moment in my belief in his talent and creativity. He was head and shoulders above every performer of his generation. I personally intend to only remember the best of him, his kindness, his charm, his superb musicianship, his magical dancing and his beautiful voice. He was a showman without equal. May he finally rest in peace.”

Full Story

…the glove, the moves, the music, the ‘out-there’ personal life…
The Thriller is Gone….reports from The L.A. Times and CBS News that Michael Jackson has died.
Here’s what I remember about the Self-Proclaimed King of Pop:
….was working at Sam the Record Man in Scarborough when Thriller came out….couldn’t keep the album in the store…….began with the single,(the 45!), The Girl Is Mine, sung with Paul McCartney……that song was everywhere,……then, Billie Jean came out and the album took off!!
….then there was Beat It…..with Eddie Van Halen?!…..the world of music was in disbelief over that one!….’How could Eddie lend his talent to someone so ummm….strange?’…..but, Beat It was a huge hit on the radio, and another huge hit on MTV / Much Music, just like Billie Jean before it….another single we couldn’t keep on the shelf at the record store….that glove and red jacket were suddenly everywhere.
….Off The Wall was another big album,…the single that hit was ‘Rock With You’….(this was all before Thriller), but I seem to remember that Michael himself, was not happy with the sales of Off The Wall….or the production values of the final product…..he was a perfectionist….I was too young to care….I just remember Rock With You was all over CFTR and 1050 CHUM at the time…
…..M J…..his personal life was strange to say the least, (’bent’ might be a better word), but the music world always watched his every move and a list of artists, including rockers, paid attention to see what he would do next…..he was supposed to do 50 concerts in London as the ‘Big Come Back’…..R.I.P. Michael Jackson…..

Full Story

Hello Gary and Rich…

I wrote to you earlier in the year requesting some information on the Jamaican Great Shape Program. You broadcasted from Jamaica and spoke to some employees regarding this program. You later sent me an e-mail with contact information and I just wanted to inform you that I was successful in getting a spot on the November Humanitarian Dental project in Negril.

I will be flying to Jamaica with all of my dental supplies and will be working on children of small villages in dire need of dental education and care.

I am really looking forward in joining this humanitarian group of dental peers! I want to Thank you for your help with this project.

I spoke with Rich personally when he came to my dental office and wondered if you can pass along this information.

I copied part of the e-mail I received this week from the Executive Director in charge of the project:

Ya Mon! Congratulations and Thank You Susan Millette!!Your application for Great Shape’s 1000 Smiles Dental Project 2009 has been approved!
Hi Susan – Thanks for coming this year! We very much look forward to working with you in Jamaica.
If you have had a change of plans and are unable to attend this trip, please let us know right away so we can make the space available to another volunteer.
Let me know if you have any specific questions, otherwise just go ahead and follow this e-mail carefully and it will direct you step by step what to do to complete your registration and be completely ready for the project. Take care and as they say in Jamaica - One Love - “Papa Joe”
This year, you will join a team of over 150 international humanitarian heroes from more than 4 countries and all over the USA that will go to Jamaica to be a part of the world’s largest international humanitarian dental project. You will be a part of the One Love Team that will help over 15,000 Jamaicans with direct dental services and education. We are very honored that you have made this commitment to take time out of your busy life to join us on this mission of love, helping those in great need.

Thank you again for doing a great job at the radio station. Have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Susan Millette

Full Story

I don’t think there’s anyone out there who doesn’t welcome new ideas on being a better parent.  Not all the advice will hit home with you but thanks to John Tesh we’ve got more Tips for Dad from MSN’s parenting expert Craig Playstead.

–Teach your kids to stand tall. No child will get far in this world if they become a doormat. Playstead says you must teach your kids to stand up for themselves. To be heard, defend what they believe in, and not be bullied. This can be anything from speaking up in class, to confronting someone who’s being unfair to them.

–Dig deeper. Food, shelter, clothing. Providing for our kids is in our DNA but the real test of being a good father is - how well do you know your child? Who do they play with? What’s their favorite hot lunch? etc …. You especially need to know the odd things that make them tick. Like why they’ll listen to a certain song over and over again. Getting that info isn’t always easy, so here’s a strategy: When they step off the bus one day after school, kidnap them for an ice cream cone before dinner and they’ll think it’s the coolest thing ever. When kids are really impressed or excited by something, like that, they’re more likely to open up and tell you about their lives.

–Channel your inner Clark Griswold. He was on to something when he loaded up the family car and headed to Wally World. A couple times a year, we all need to bust out of the rut that our daily routine puts us in – including kids. Getting out of Dodge is the only cure. Think back. Most adults claim that vacations were the best part of their childhood. It doesn’t have to be expensive and you don’t have to go far - you just need to have a family experience to remember.

Full Story

In putting together an 8:15 Coffee Break contest this morning I ran across a video of Neil Young’s Heart of Gold.  But when I clicked on the You Tube video I wasn’t quite sure it was him….until he started to sing.

Have a look for yourself

Full Story

What saying did (or does) your dad always toss your way?
Click on ‘Comments’ below and share those fatherly words of wisdom that have stayed with you.
Any of these ring a bell??

THINGS DADS LIKE TO SAY

* Don’t ask me, ask your mother.
* Were you raised in a barn? Close the door.
* You didn’t beat me. I let you win.
* Big boys don’t cry.
* Don’t worry. It’s only blood.
* Don’t you know any normal boys?
* Now you listen to me, Buster!
* I’ll play catch after I read the paper.
* Coffee will stunt your growth.
* A little dirt never hurt anyone-just wipe it off.
* Get your elbows off the table.
* I told you, keep your eye on the ball.
* Who said life was supposed to be fair.
* Always say please and thank you. That way, you get more.
* If you forget, you’ll be grounded ’til the end of the world.
* You call that a haircut?
* “Hey” is for horses.
* This will hurt me a lot more than it hurts you.
* Turn off those lights. Do you think I am made of money?
* Don’t give me any of your lip, young lady.
* You call that noise “music?”
* We’re not lost. I’m just not sure where we are.
* No, we’re not there yet.
* Shake it off. It’s only pain.
* When I was your age, I treated my father with respect.
* As long as you live under my roof, you’ll live by my rules.
* I’ll tell you why. Because I said so. That’s why.
* Do what I say, not what I do.
* Sit up straight, knucklehead!
* So you think you’re smart, do you?
* What’s so funny? Wipe that smile off your face.
* Young ladies perspire, they do not sweat.
* If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times.
* C’mon, you throw like a girl.
* You want something to do? I’ll give you something to do.
* You should visit more often. Your mother worries.
* This is your last warning.
* Your mother worries.
* I’m not sleeping, I was watching that channel.
* What keeps those jeans of yours from falling off?
* I’m not just talking to hear my own voice!

Full Story