Shane, Cheryl & Robin - blog

GIVE ME A HOLE TO HIDE IN

SO AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THE WORLD HAS LOST ITS MARBLES LATELY?

 EARTHQUAKES, CYCLONES, COP SWARMINGS, BEATING DEFENCELESS ANIMALS, KILLER TORNADOES, RECESSION, SKYHIGH GAS PRICES........IT JUST NEVER STOPS.... WHEN I WAS FIRST STARTING OUT IN RADIO, I USED TO GET PUMPED UP ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF "BIG NEWS STORIES".   NOW I'M JUST SICKENED BY IT ALL.   DOING WHAT WE DO FOR A LIVING, WE REALLY DONT HAVE THE OPTION OF NOT READING, WATCHING OR PREPARING THE NEWS OURSELVES.  (DONT GET ME WRONG--I LOVE WHAT I DO FOR A LIVING)--BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I WOULD LOVE TO CRAWL INTO A HOLE AND JUST STAY THERE WHILE THE WORLD SORTS ITSELF OUT. (IF THATS POSSIBLE)

-ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM--THERE ARE GROUPS SUCH AS THE ANIMAL CANCER THERAPY SUBSIDIZATION SOCIETY AND THE PEOPLE AT "A DIRTY DOG SPA" ON 100TH AVE AND 157TH STREET.  I HAD A GREAT TIME THIS PAST SATURDAY CLEANING UP SOME DIRTY POOCHIES--ALL IN THE NAME OF HELPING PET OWNERS WHOSE FUZZY GUYS HAVE BEEN HIT BY CANCER--PAY FOR THE TREATMENTS THEY NEED.  THERE WERE 6 GROOMERS IN THE AREA TAKING PART IN THE DAY---AND I'VE HEARD THRU THE GRAPEVINE THAT THE DIRTY DOG SPA ITSELF RAISED ABOUT 3-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE CAUSE.   (AND OWNER MARGARET AND HER PEEPS DID IT WITH SMILES ON THEIR FACES).  I WAS BEAT BY THE END OF THE DAY---BUT ITS NICE TO GO HOME WITH A REAL SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT.  BY THE WAY--WE SHOULD FIND OUT LATER THIS WEEK JUST HOW MUCH THE SPRING DOG WASH MADE IN TOTAL--SO AS SOON AS I KNOW--I'LL PASS IT ON. (AS A SIDENOTE---WHEN A GROOMER RECOMMENDS THAT YOU WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES TO KEEP THE FUR OUT OF YOUR EYES WHEN YOU'RE BLOW DRYING A DOG---TAKE THEIR ADVICE--PLEEEEEEASE!!)

But Why....?

Its so hard to imagine and every parents worst nightmare.  The late night phone call from Police telling you that your child has been involved in a car crash and they are on the way to the hospital.  The Panic!  Heart pounding fear and then of course the questions....Is he okay?  What happened?  Who was driving?  Was it his fault?

"Your Son was hit by a Drunk Driver"  Oh my god!  "He was tee boned at an intersection by a speeding, red light running drunk". " His car flipped over and caught on fire...he's been badly burned".  "Oh and by the way--the drunk driver was an off duty police officer"!   Stunned silence.

18 year old Robert Wasyliw suffered a broken collarbone and burned back that will require skin grafts.  I've had skin grafts.  Its very painful and takes a long time to heal.  Your scarred for life and have to be very careful in the sun and with infections.  Robert is Alive.  Thank God!

LAST CHANCE DAWGWASH & OLD GUYS ON BIKES

OKAY EVERYONE---ITS FRIDAY--AND TOMORROW---I'M WASHING DAWGS AT THE DIRTY DOG SPA ON 100TH AVENUE AND 157TH STREET (IN THE AFTERNOON).  ITS THE ANIMAL CANCER THERAPY SUBSIDIZATION SOCIETY'S 9TH ANNUAL SPRING DOG WASH---WITH 100-PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS GOING TO HELP PET OWNERS WHOSE FUZZY GUYS HAVE BEEN HIT BY CANCER.   ITS A GREAT CAUSE--AND BEST OF ALL---YOU DONT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT WET DOG SMELL  YOURSELF!!

-TICKETS ARE GOING LIKE WILDFIRE FOR THE "SPEAKING OF WOMENS HEALTH" CONFERENCE FOR THE LOIS HOLE HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN.  IT HAPPENS SATURDAY-OCTOBER 4TH AT THE SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE.  THERE'S ROOM FOR 800 PEOPLE.  MORE THAN 600 TIX HAVE BEEN SOLD AT THIS POINT--AND THEY JUST STARTED SELLING THEM THE OTHER DAY.   CALL 735-4012 TO GET YOURS TODAY.

HOSPITALS AND DIRTY DAWGS

SORRY I MISSED YESTERDAY--BUT THERE WAS A GOOD REASON--SHANE AND I WERE AT THE NEWS CONFERENCE FOR A BIG FUNDRAISER FOR THE LOIS HOLE HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN YESTERDAY.   ITS A GREAT DEAL--ITS CALLED THE "SPEAKING OF WOMENS HEALTH" CONFERENCE--AND HAPPENS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH AT THE SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE.   ITS A DAY LONG EVENT THAT WILL FEATURE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS, ALL SORTS OF HEALTH SCREENING AND SESSIONS ON HEALTH, WELLNESS, MONEY MANAGEMENT, PERSONAL SAFETY, FAMILY RELATIONS AND MORE.  AND EDMONTON IS THE FIRST CANADIAN SITE FOR THIS EVENT----SO ITS A MAJOR SCORE FOR THE CITY AND THE LOIS HOLE HOSPITAL.   THE CONFERENCE IS REALLY AFFORDABLE TOO---ONLY 40-BUCKS FOR TICKETS--AND THAT INCLUDES FOOD AND A GOODIE BAG WORTH ABOUT $150.  ITS NOT TIL OCTOBER, BUT ITS EXPECTED TO SELL OUT--SO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW----CALL 735-4012 OR HEAD TO www.capitalhealth.ca/speakingofwomenshealth.

The Roundup

Still lots of heat on Premier Stlemach regarding the duck deaths on the Syncrude pond of death.  The premier pointed out that more than 30,000 migratory birds die each year because of wind turbines however he refused to answer my question.  How would you rather die...suddenly and instantly from a wind turbine that you didn't see coming or...slowly drowning in toxic goo.   Ya, not surprisingly most people would pick the wind turbine.  I'm just saying.

Wanna go golfing with me?  I will be hosting The Realty Executives 2008 Golf For Food Tournament.  Its Friday June 20th ( first day of summer).   Interesting people Realtors and a very fun tournament.

$125 for the full deal including steak dinner...its at River Ridge so the scenery is gorgeous.  Call Crystal if your interested 231-9401

LIL O'THIS AND THAT--ITS FRIDAY!!

ITS BEEN AN INTERESTING WEEK--NEWSWISE AND PERSONALLY. 

-HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE TRAGEDY AT SYNCRUDE'S TAILINGS POND?  I SAW SOME LETTERS IN THE PAPER TODAY FROM PEOPLE WHO SAY----"THEY'RE JUST DUCKS".    WHAT A SAD OUTLOOK ON LIFE--I HOPE THOSE INDIVIDUALS GET THE BIG PICTURE SOME DAY. 

-THE MILEY CYRUS VANITY FAIR PICTURE DEBACLE....COME ON ALREADY!!  SHE'S 15!  I KNOW I DID SOME "NOT SO WELL INFORMED" THINGS WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER--AND I'M WILLING TO BET THE PARENTS WHO ARE LIGHTING THEIR TORCHES AND THREATENING TO STORM THE CASTLE WITH PITCHFORKS IN HAND DID WHEN THEY WERE HER AGE AS WELL.  

-MOVIEWISE--I KNOW SHANE WAS GUNNING FOR "IRONMAN" (WHICH OPENS TODAY) AND "SPEEDRACER" (WHICH IS STILL ON THE WAY).  I MYSELF AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW "INDIANA JONES" MOVIE--AND "SEX AND THE CITY"----BOTH OPEN LATER THIS MONTH---SO I'LL PASS ON A REVIEW ONCE I SEE THEM.

pop culture mash up

And here I thought we had taken care of old man winter!  With a nasty turn in the weather -again, I buried my head in some pop culture and entertainment news.

First up...do you think the whole brouha over Miley Cyrus is overblown?  Yes she's a 15 year old superstar and role model for many.  Were the photos a mistake , inappropriate....were they scandalous?  It all seems so over blown.  I love her Hannah Montana show , my kids and I watch it all the time.  She is talented and quite funny but we're not gonna go overboard on this story.

Since I have kids most of the movies I watch are family flicks.  I am looking forward to seeing Iron Man--opening this weekend.  I've heard its great and I love to see men fly!  Also on the horizon one of my favorite childhood shows  "Speed Racer" and for sure we'll go see the new Indian Jones movie.  Its cool to be able to share the stories you saw as a kid with your own kids.  Now if they could only do a new version of Johnny Quest!  The new Batman movie looks pretty dark (which the comics really were back in the day) There's an on line trailer of the new movie which debuts on sunday at www.whysoserious.com/happytrails.com

FUN THINGS TO DO----EZ ROCK STYLE!!

-THERE'S NO DOUBT THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO IN TOWN--SO TODAY-I THOUGHT I'D RUN DOWN WHATS ON THE GO THIS WEEKEND---AND GIVE YOU A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT OR SIGN UP FOR THAT YOUR LITTLE MORNING BUDDIES WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE WEEKS TO COME....

-TOMORROW & SUNDAY:  THE EDMONTON HEALTH AND WELLNESS SHOW AT THE MAYFIELD INN.   MORE THAN 150 EXHIBITORS, FITNESS GURUS HAL JOHNSON AND JOANNE MCLEOD WILL BE THERE TOMORROW, THERE'S GOING TO BE A BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST, A BONE DENSITY TEST AND THERE'S EVEN A BOOTH WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR SUNGLASSES CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY ACTUALLY DO PREVENT THE SUN'S RAYS FROM REACHING YOUR PEEPERS.  FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW--HEAD TO www.edmontonhealthandwellness.com. 

FUN THINGS TO DO----EZ ROCK STYLE!!

-THERE'S NO DOUBT THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO IN TOWN--SO TODAY-I THOUGHT I'D RUN DOWN WHATS ON THE GO THIS WEEKEND---AND GIVE YOU A FEW THINGS TO THINK ABOUT OR SIGN UP FOR THAT YOUR LITTLE MORNING BUDDIES WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE WEEKS TO COME....

-TOMORROW & SUNDAY:  THE EDMONTON HEALTH AND WELLNESS SHOW AT THE MAYFIELD INN.   MORE THAN 150 EXHIBITORS, FITNESS GURUS HAL JOHNSON AND JOANNE MCLEOD WILL BE THERE TOMORROW, THERE'S GOING TO BE A BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST, A BONE DENSITY TEST AND THERE'S EVEN A BOOTH WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR SUNGLASSES CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY ACTUALLY DO PREVENT THE SUN'S RAYS FROM REACHING YOUR PEEPERS.  FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW--HEAD TO www.edmontonhealthandwellness.com. 

SNOW SHOVELLING KARMA =)

SO HOW MANY TIMES THIS WEEK HAVE YOU ALREADY HEARD THIS PHRASE:---"OH MY GOD!!!  CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS???  ITS APRIL???!!!" 

SHANE, ROBIN AND I TOOK THE BOOTS TO OLD MAN WINTER THIS MORNING WHEN HE DECIDED IN HIS INFINITE "UNWISDOM" TO PAY US A VISIT IN THE STUDIO.  WE SUSPECT HE'LL BE BACK TOMORROW---AND IF SO----WE'LL DO IT AGAIN---AND ITS GOING TO BE LIKE THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP....WHERE--IN THE WORDS OF "FRIENDS" ALUMNI CHANDLER BING----"THE RULES ARE----THERE ARE NO RULES!!!"

-ONE GOOD THING THAT DID COME OUT OF THE ONGOING SNOWPARTY--IS THAT I DECIDED TO BE A NICE PERSON AND SHOVEL THE PARKING LOT AND THE WALKS OUTSIDE MY APARTMENT BUILDING YESTERDAY.  (MAINLY BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE SEEMED TO BE DOING IT AND MY DOG WAS HAVING TROUBLE GETTING OUTSIDE FOR THE THINGS THAT DOGS NEED TO DO).  AT ANY RATE---I DO BELIEVE IN KARMA--BECAUSE I GOT MY TAXES DONE TODAY----AND I'M GETTING A REFUND!!!!  YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     (ITS NOT A BIG ONE--BUT I REALLY DONT CARE AS LONG AS I DONT HAVE TO GIVE $ TO "THE MAN".

WHAT A WEEK--AND MORE TO COME---$$$$$$$$$$$$$

WOW--ITS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE WEEK HERE AT 104.9 EZ ROCK--WHAT WITH THE 10-THOUSAND DOLLAR CALLER CONTEST NOW IN FULL SWING.    EVERYONE WHO'S BEEN THE 9TH CALLER HAS WON A STACK OF SCRATCH AND WIN TICKETS--AND THEY'RE NOW ALL QUALIFIED TO WIN THAT BIGTIME JACKPOT OF 10-GRANDARONI!!!!    IF I WAS ABLE TO PLAY AND WIN---LETS JUST SAY THE VISA PEOPLE WOULD BE VERY VERY HAPPY WITH ME.  (BLASTED CREDIT CARDS!) 

IF YOU'RE WONDERING HOW IT ALL WORKS BY THE WAY---YOU CAN CLICK BACK TO OUR HOME PAGE--BUT BASICALLY-ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN FOR THE CUE TO CALL (ITS VERY DIRECT)--BE THE 9TH CALLER THRU AT 437-4949---AND THEN YOU'VE GOT YOURSELF AN INSTANT PRIZE AND A VERY GOOD CHANCE AT SNAGGING THAT 10-GRAND.  WE'RE MAKING THE BIG DRAW--THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE.  DONT MISS  YOUR OPPORTUNITY!!!

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $$!!! AND SHANE'S BACK

WELL ITS ALL UNDERWAY--THE BIG CONTEST WE'VE BEEN TELLING YOU ABOUT--THE EASIEST CONTEST IN TOWN.....THE EZ ROCK 10-THOUSAND DOLLAR CALLER!!!  AND IT COULD BE YOU!!!  WE KICKED IT OFF YESTERDAY MORNING---AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LISTEN TO 104.9 EZ ROCK.  WHEN YOU HEAR THAT CUE TO CALL (TRUST ME--ITS OBVIOUS)--BE THE 9TH CALLER THRU AT 437-4949---THEN YOU WIN AN INSTANT PRIZE--AND YOU'RE QUALIFIED TO WIN THAT 10-GRAND!!!   I COULD NOT POSSIBLY PUT IN MORE EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!  (OKAY--MAYBE I COULD!!!)  ANYWAY--MAKE SURE TO KEEP LISTENING--TELL YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR BUDS---AND WE MAKE THE DRAW FOR THE MAJOR BUCKS--THE 1ST WEEK OF JUNE.....(WOW--I'M WORN OUT JUST WRITING ABOUT IT)

-SHANE'S BACK FROM HIS VACATION--NO WORSE FOR THE WEAR OR HOWEVER THAT GOES.  DESPITE WHAT HANS THE RESORT GUY TOLD US ON THE PHONE LAST WEEK, SHANER DOESNT SEEM TO HAVE ANY MONKEY OR KOMODO DRAGON BITES.....(BUT THEN I DIDNT TAKE A REALLY CLOSE LOOK).  HE DID BRING ROBIN AND I SOME SOUVENIRS FROM THE TRIP TO MEXICO THOUGH---LITTLE PLASTIC IGUANAS.  (MINE HAS GOOGLY EYES THAT SEEM TO FOLLOW ME NO MATTER WHERE I AM IN THE ROOM)  HE'S SITTING ON MY COMPUTER AS WE SPEAK. 

TOMORROW'S THE BIG DAY---FOR YOU!

WE'VE BEEN TEASING YOU SINCE LAST WEEKEND ABOUT THIS---AND FINALLY--THE DETAILS ON EZ ROCK'S 10-THOUSAND DOLLAR CALLER CONTEST WILL BE GIVEN TOMORROW MORNING---SO BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE EZ ROCK MORNING SHOW.   THATS RIGHT---NOT ONLY WILL IT BE HIGHLY ENTERTAININING----BUT WE'LL HAVE GOOD NEWS TOO!!!  YAY!!!!  ITS A GREAT CHANCE FOR YOU TO WIN SOME SERIOUS COIN.  (BY THE WAY--THE CONTEST ACTUALLY KICKS INTO GEAR THIS COMING MONDAY--JUST IN TIME FOR SHANE TO GET BACK FROM HIS LITTLE VACATION IN MEXICO----THE BIG GLORY HOG!!)    BUT WE LOVE HIM ANYWAY.   (AND REMIND ME TO ASK HIM ABOUT THE ADVENTURES HE WAS ON WHILE DOWN THERE----WE WERE TOLD ALL SORTS OF CRAZY STORIES ABOUT MONKEYS AND KOMODO DRAGONS----AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON HIS DANCE AND TENNIS LESSONS)   AT ANY RATE--WE'LL BE HAPPY TO HAVE HIM BACK.

HOLIDAY BOY AND CASH CASH CASH!!!!

SHANE THE HOLIDAY BOY IS OFF ON VACATION AGAIN (YES--AGAIN!!!!!--BUT DONT TELL HIM I SAID THAT).   ANYWAY---RON CLARK HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO JOIN ROBIN ALLEN AND ME MONDAY AND TUESDAY--AND THEN WE KIDS ARE ALLOWED TO BRING DOWN THE HOUSE ALL BY OURSELVES.....(AND AT SOME POINT--WE'RE GOING TO BE CALLING SHANE AT HIS LITTLE MEXICAN RESORT---SO WE'LL FIND OUT WHAT HE'S UP TO ANYWAY)

-WE'VE GOT A VERY INTERESTING EMAIL TO SHARE WITH YOU FOR MAILBAG MONDAY BY THE WAY--AND WE'D LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT.   HAS TO DO WITH MORE WEDDING GIFTS---AND THE LENGTH OF MARRIAGES.......(ITS A DOOZY!!!) BE SURE TO CALL US MONDAY MORNING AT 437-4949.........

-THE EDMONTON HOME AND GARDEN SHOW IS ON AT THE AGRICOM ALL THIS WEEKEND---AND WHILE I DONT HAVE A HOME TO RENO--YOU'VE GOT A CHANCE TO WIN A 10-THOUSAND DOLLAR BATHROOM MAKEOVER--JUST BE HEADING TO THE EZ ROCK BOOTH WHILE YOU'RE THERE.....(I AM HOWEVER--GOING TO CHECK OUT THE PAMPERED POOCH FASHION SHOW--SINCE MY "BIG BONED" DOGGIE MAY BE IN NEED OF A NEW AND HAPPENIN' HOODIE.  (PLUS ITS A GREAT WAY TO HELP OUT THE EDMONTON HUMANE SOCIETY).

watching and waiting

Overheard in the Costco store, while shopping for my annual new shorts of spring. "I was wearing my Capri's on the weekend and it was so great, I just wanna put some sandals on but it's too cold"!

I'm more of a hiking shorts kind of guy, but I can sure relate.  April can be a cruel month for those of us anxious to expose our legs to the sun.  I settled on a cool pair of cargo style hikers in a lovely greenish tan.  There's probably a better colour description but I don't know it.

There is still a good 10cm in my backyard behind the big spruce and poplar trees.  Various dog trails spider across the yard where Lola and Buster have made their daily rounds...who knows what lurks under that snow!

My wife and the two boys will once again venture to Mexico soon.  One week golfing and lazing by the beach.  A brief chance to bridge that gap between the arrival of Spring in March and when Spring really arrives....well, whenever.  Did you go on an interesting winter getaway...maybe the trip of a lifetime?  why not email me...love to hear your  tale smichaels@radio.astral.com

what goes around, comes around

Don't know if you've seen this one but it is true and pretty amazing!

His name was fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer.  One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog.  He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.  There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself.  Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.  The next day , a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings.

An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy fleming had saved.  "I want to repay you," said the nobleman.  "You saved my son's life."  "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer.

At that moment, the farmer's own son came out the door of the family hovel.  "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes" the farmer replied proudly.  "I'll make you a deal .  Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy.  If the lad is anything like his father he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of."  And that he did

Father Fleming's son attended the very best schools ane in time, he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.  What saved his life this time?  Penicillin.  The name of the nobleman?  Lord Randolph Churchill.  His son's name?  Sir winston Churchill.  someone once said: What goes around comes around.  And remember that the person you help today could wind up helping you tomorrow.

Shane 

TIME CHANGE--AND THANK GOD SPRING'S ON THE WAY!!!

THE TIME CHANGE HAS COME EARLY!!! THE TIME CHANGE HAS COME EARLY!!!  THIS IS THE WEEKEND TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR....DO IT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED TOMORROW NIGHT OR DO IT AFTER YOU ROLL OUT OF SLUMBERLAND SUNDAY AFTERNOON--ITS ALL GOOD.  (OF COURSE, NO MATTER HOW INFORMATIVE I THINK I AM--I ALWAYS MANAGE TO FORGET---SO THEN THERE'S THE BIG SCRAMBLE MONDAY MORNING....

THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN PRETTY EXCITING FOR ME.  I GOT CABLE IN SEPTEMBER AFTER NOT HAVING HAD IT FOR A FEW YEARS-----AND I GOT MY FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA THIS WEEK.  SHANE AND ROBIN ARE POSITIVELY THRILLED---THEY'VE BEEN SUBJECTED NON-STOP TO MY MINI-HOME MOVIES OF MY DOG COLBY. 

-SPEAKING OF THE DOGGY---I'M GETTING PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THE UPCOMING WEEKEND--BECAUSE ITS PAJAMA PARTY TIME AT THE JASPER PARK LODGE......WOMEN OF ALL AGES WILL BE DESCENDING UPON THE JPL FOR A WEEKEND OF BONDING--THRU AN HONEST TO GOD JAMMIE PARTY, THEN ALL SORTS OF COOL SEMINARS ON THE SATURDAY---AND OF COURSE--JASPER HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE MOST GORGEOUS PLACES ON THIS PLANET.  (THERE'S A SMALL CONTINGENT OF WE EZ ROCK GIRLIES HEADING OUT--AND MY DOG IS GOING TO BE OUR OFFICIAL MASCOT---HE'S A BOY--BUT HE DESERVES A WEEKEND OFF TOO)

helping seniors and websites

104.9 EZ rock is doing as much as possible for those poor seniors who had to deal with a devasting fire at the Britannia Gardens apartments.  The facility is run by The  Greater Edmonton  Foundation, a non profit agency that provides affordable housing for seniors.  Over 70 elderly people were displaced by the fire and 7 people lost everything they own!  The foundation is looking for donations of mens and womens clothing and small furniture items...as well as cash.

You can drop off new and gently used items at their office 14220 109ave.  Their office number is 482-6561 if you have any questions.  Thank you for helping out!

The University is offering a free fun day for kids age 5 to 12.  My youngest son always reminds me its "Children Dad", "I'm not a goat".  During science sunday children will explore natural science through many fun activities 12 to 4pm March 2nd.   More information at 492-5834 or visit www.museums.ualberta.ca

Japer Park Lodge.  Just the name conjures up such a soothing feeling--I just love it there and you can find out more about the 'Pajama Party In Jasper" March 14-16.  Cheryl will be heading to this great event once again and for more call 1-800-441-1414 or on the web at www.thepajamaparty.info

Favorite time waster web site of the week.  And a great resource for anyone who can't remember the name of a song but they can recall the rhythm .  Just use your computer space bar to tap out the rhythm of a song stuck in your head and the computer does the rest...figuring out the mystery song.  go to www.songtapper.com

And finally I  am frequently asked about travel and how to find the best deals.  The best website I've ever found for it is www.belairtravel.com. They are advertising on 104.9 EZ Rock and I've used the site to check out great deals as its very easy to use....just fill out details like where you're travelling from and where    you would like to go and the site kicks out hundreds of great deals on vacation packages.  Their phone operators are also very nice and I have booked several trips through the site.  happy travelling

till next time,

Shane 

FREE BREAKY, GREAT SERVICE AND SO MUCH MORE!!

I WOULD HAVE DONE THIS BLOG YESTERDAY, BUT IT TOOK A WHILE FOR MY FINGERS TO THAW OUT FROM YESTERDAY'S OUTSIDE EXCURSION.  THERE WERE A WHACK OF US FROM EZ ROCK OUT DURING THE MORNING SHOW YESTERDAY--HANDING OUT FREE BREAKFAST PACKS AT THE INTERSECTION OF 42ND AVE AND CALGARY TRAIL----AND DESPITE THE FACT IT WAS DOWNRIGHT CHILLY---IT WAS A TON OF FUN.  WE JUST WANTED TO STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A HEALTHY BREAKFAST--ESPECIALLY SO FOR KIDS IF THEY'RE GOING TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL.  BIG HUGS TO THE BREAKFAST CLUBS OF CANADA WHICH SPEARHEADED THE PROJECT---AND MASSIVE HATS OFF TO OUR STREET TEAM PEOPLE--WHO SPENT THE ENTIRE MORNING OUTSIDE--DODGING TRAFFIC (AND ALL WITH BIG SMILES ON THEIR FACES!!)  THIS JUST MIGHT BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT (I'M HOPING THEY MOVE IT TO SEPTEMBER----I'M SUCH A WIMP WEATHERWISE).  BY THE WAY--IF YOU BUY DESIGNATED ITEMS AT WAL-MART---A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE BREAKFAST CLUBS OF CANADA PROGRAM......

clean out your computer day

Computers.  Like a belly button...everbodys got them.  Well almost everyone. If your like me it's a love, hate relationship...can't live with them can't live without them.  I secretly envy those who don't have to always be in touch...checking web sites and email, staying on top of stories and assignments.  Living "Off the Grid" as they say.  For now most of us have to keep our home PC's and work computers up and running smoothly so thats why we have an official Clean out Your Computer day.  The fastest way to do this is: a) go through all your files deleting the ones you don't need anymore b) hire a technician to come in and clean up your system c) run a scan disk  d)just buy a new one and throw the old one out.  I know that (d)seems a bit extreme but sometimes these virus's can make your computer a total mess not to mention that they can get outdated pretty quickly.  Its our whole disposable society.

Here's a few "free" suggestions courtesy of our broadcast engineers.  You can get tips on the website www.ibt-pep.com and click on "tips" in the menu.  There's a great free downloadable  virus scan at www.avg.com . And to clean your computers C drive...use google to search for "c drive".  There are several free ones that clean out all kinds of junk.

Another site that we mentioned a while ago still has people interested is regarding old school parenting and how todays kids have a sense of entitlement.  Very interesting stuff at www.parentingbythebook.com

Had a nice trip out to BC to visit my mom and her husband.  My kids call them Granny and Papa. Funny how every family has different names for grandparents.  The Okanogan area is slowing down for residential home building but the resort/vacation industry is still booming.  They had losts of snow but its melting quickly and I suspect the golf season is about 3 weeks away.  Their spring is so much sooner than ours.  Also I noticed that everywhere in BC now you have to pay before you fill up gas.  Like the United States the incidents of "Gas and Dash" means gas stations force you to pay first...personally I find it a major pain in the neck.

Looking forward to my next story on "What's up Wednesday"...it sounds like an urban myth but its true..."The Exploding Whale"! 

till then,

Shane 

NEW PICS, STAY WARM--AND I'M NOT YELLING

(I'M NOT "YELLING"----MY TYPING IS JUST A LOT FASTER THIS WAY)

(AND HOPEFULLY THERE'S GOING TO BE A NEW PICTURE SOON---BECAUSE I DONT REALLY LOOK LIKE THIS ANYMORE--AND NO ONE BELIEVES ME WHEN I TELL THEM WHO I AM)

ITS FRIDAY--THANK GOD,  BECAUSE I PLAN TO CRAWL UNDER THE COVERS THIS WEEKEND AND STAY THERE GIVEN HOW COLD ITS GOING TO BE.  SHANE'S OFF TO BC TO DO A LITTLE VISITING (BY THE WAY--HIS B-DAY IS NEXT SUNDAY---SO MAKE SURE YOU TELL HIM HOW OLD HE'S GETTING--SEEING AS HOW HE KEEPS RUBBING IT INTO ME ON HOW I'M TURNING 40 THIS YEAR. ).....AND ROBIN--I BELIEVE HE'S CONCOCTING ONE OF HIS ODDBALL STEWS THIS WEEKEND.  ROBIN IS OF THE NOTION THAT SARDINES, BLUE CHEESE AND OLIVES GO WITH EVERYTHING.  (I'M PRETTY SURE HE'LL NEVER HAVE HIS OWN SHOW ON THE FOOD NETWORK).  

KIDS, CRITTERS, AND KINDNESS

THIS IS MY FIRST SHOT AT DOING THE MORNING SHOW BLOG, SO IF THINGS SEEM SOMEWHAT ASKEW, I PROMISE I'LL GET BETTER.  (MY TYPING IS STILL BETTER THAN SHANE'S =) )

AT ANY RATE--TODAY WAS "WHATS UP WEDNESDAY" ON THE MORNING SHOW--WHEN WE PROVIDE A FEW MORE DETAILS ON STORIES YOU MAY BE CONCERNED WITH OR JUST WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT....AND TODAY WE RAN A SEGMENT ABOUT "SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER".  MOST PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH AUTISM---"SPD" IS THE OPPOSITE--WHEN CHILDREN FEEL TOO MUCH--SENSORY OVERLOAD.  THERE'S A CONFERENCE IN TOWN THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY--AND WHILE ITS FILLED TO CAPACITY--I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME WEBSITE YOU CAN LINK TO IN ORDER TO GET MORE INDEPTH DETAILS...  THERE'S A FEW--INCLUDING:

changes to the telephone system

Here's an interesting notice that came our way from Telecommunications Alberta regarding a big change in the coming months .  Get your dialing finger ready!

Telecommunications      http://www.servicelink.gov.ab.ca/Telecom/index.cfm [Image]       

As a result of increased demand for services, Alberta has been assigned a new area code that takes effect this summer. The new area code will also mean 10-digit dialing even for local calls. After September 8, 2008, you won't be able to make 7-digit local calls, you will have to dial the area code and the 7-digit number. To help customers prepare, the industry is phasing in a "permissive dialing period" from June 23, 2008. During this period, when you dial 7 digits for a local call you will hear an announcement reminding you to use 10-digit dialing the next time you make a local call. Then your call will be connected.

Your input

A great big thank you for all the input from you the listener!   Over the last few months we have revamped the morning show somewhat featuring various theme days that lean on listenr advice and suggestions.  And the repsonse has been great.  From Mailbag Monday we can draw on the mood of listeners and whats going on in their lives.  Send your email to me at smichaels@radio.astral.com

Family Matters Tuesday has been very interesting especially from a fathers perspective.  Just to find out what other parents and families are going through.  Lets face it , there are a lot of tough issues out there and raising kids is a hard job.  We do our best to offer support and practical advice and once in a while have agood laugh.

jasper is calling

It seems like we should be nesting after the Christmas break but there is no better time to hit the slopes than January.  I've been a big fan of the Jasper in January festival for many years.  Not only is it a great mid winter break and a fun family get away but it's in one of my favorite places--Jasper.  Not only is the great National park full of wondrous scenery...the town itself is so warm, cozy and peaceful...it makes me think of a simpler time in the not so distant past.

One of the big draws of Jasper in January is the reduced prices on everything from hotel rooms to lift tickets.  Ez Rock is also a proud sponsor of the Snow bus to Jasper and there's the incredible VIA Rail Snow Train option too .  The toughest thing for me when I go to Jasper is leaving at the end of the weekend!

healthy again

Happy New Year!

Its that time of year again...new beginnings, staying healthy...self improvment.  I don't usually go all crazy about setting unrealistic goals however looking at the weight scale and the notch on my belt...it's time to get serious about exercising.  Like a lot of people I seem to run out of time during certain seasons and get too busy to stay active.  This past summer and fall it was the combination of a large home renovation project and breaking the handlebars on my stationary bike!  The painting had to be done and besides the bike wasn't available.  It became easy to make excuses.  The real problem kicked in when we went on a two week holiday (all inclusive buffet!) followed by the usual excess of Christmas.  Unfortunalty the longer we ignore these things the harder it becomes to loose the weight.  And unfortunatly I do love food.  Oh well, I also love working out and playing sports.  It's just that darn time factor .  Here's hoping you stay healthy this year.

Our Wish For the Holidays!

Well, here we are in the holiday break for 2007.  First, the three of us would like to say 'Thank You' for listening to EZ Rock in the past year and for the feedback you have given us on our show and the station in general.  We'll be around from time to time over the holidays and hope you'll join us. Then, we'd like to wish you all health and happiness over the holidays and into the brand new year for you and your families.  Over the next week the Christmas music will be put away for another year  (along with the old fruitcake) and we'll be back with The Best Variety of Yesterday and Today beginning on the 27th.  We've nicely rested some songs, added some you haven't heard for a while and plan on introducing you to a few great new songs.  On New Years Eve Delilah will count us down to midnight....and then it's a brand new year full of new beginnings. At EZ Rock 2008 will bring with it a number of new and exciting things for our listeners as well as the comfort that some old favourite things brings with it.  That might sound a little cryptic ..... but hey surprises are always nice.  Well, not always.......but these will be.  Keep your eyes on your email for advance notices.

In Afghan Fields

In Afghan Fields

In Afghan fileds where poppies blow, Canadian Soldiers freely go

Through the dust and personal pain, They struggle to let freedom reign

Helping children they've never met, This is why must never forget

The most precious sacrifice they gave, So that a just society may be saved

A family gathers around an empty chair, We must remember them in our prayers

Support our troops our rallying cry, As they march forward head held high

They are not alone we'll let them know, In Afghan fields where poppies grow

winter driving

I've packed away the golf clubs.  Yes it's a sad reality at this time of year.  Not to say they won't come out to go on vacation with me this year.  One of the great joys for me when vacationing is to try out an exotic golfcourse overlooking the ocean while thinking of my friends back in Edmonton shoveling snow and driving the icy streets.  Speaking of which...why does it take us so long to rememeber how to drive in Winter again?   we see the same thing every year--the first day of slippery driving is just crazy.  I feel bad for those people that either get injured or just have all the hassles involved with dealing with police, tow trucks....over booked body shops!  The time and expense of even a minor car crash is just ridiculous.   So PLEASE take the time to remember your basic winter driving routine.  a little extra time,  make sure you have good tires, no crazy passing or speeding--especially on bridge decks, more space between you and the other drivers and slow down.

giving thanks

We sure hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving!   Right across the country families gather  to give thanks  and enjoy a bountiful feast.  We truly are blessed to live in such a magnificant country.  I'm sure many of you raised a toast to all the things you have to be thankfull for.  A fellow broadcaster of mine sent me a note reminding me of some of the things that maybe didn't get mentioned and I wanted to share just a couple...

"Thank you to the Canadian soldiers bravely doing their best in Afghanistan and around the world.  A huge thankyou to the people in this country who work in law enforcement.  Another reminder over the weekend about how dangerous their job is when the RCMP lost one of their own in the Northwest Territories.  Every day this people put their life on the line and view some unspeakalbe tragedies in every community in this country.  Thankyou to the firefighters and paramedics and nurses and doctors and all the people who have decided that the best thing they can do for thier community is help those who are threatened with an emergency situation."  Courtesy of Mike Nabuurs.

winter travel

welcome to the blog

Welcome to the blog.  Yes I've joined the millions who post on line musings , news , jokes and information for you to peruse at your leisure.   I think you'll find a lot of miscellanious ramblings about a wide variety topics that interest me. If you have comments or suggestions please email me at smichaels@ezrock.com.

Lets start by thanking you for tuning into the EZ Rock morning show with myself ,Cheryl Brooks and Robin Allen.  We have a lot of fun and I feel very lucky to have such a cool job.  Okay getting up at 3;45am is not cool but the rest is.  Incidentally did you see that new British Study that has found a lack of sleep can more than double your risk of heart attack?  Get a good sleep!

Flip Fridays Coming