Happy Canada Day!!

Each year, the RCMP presents 'Sunset Ceremonies' nightly leading up to Canada Day. There was a special performance by the Canadian Forces Parachute team, 'the Skyhawks', followed by the Musical Ride. There was no way I could feel more 'Canadian'. Unless I had a hockey stick in one hand and a Molson in the other! It was a great night and a fitting tribute to Canada's military. Happy Canada Day!

Music Photography Exhibit!

(pictured above) Tom Wilson, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, by Jean Labelle - -Ottawa is fortunate to have so many incredible musical acts swing through town- and its always fun to try and capture some of those moments on film. (OK maybe not 'film'...but 'capturing those moments on digital' just doesn't have the same ring to it) Over the past few years I have gotten to know some of Ottawa's finest music photographers. They are amazing to watch; using their 6th sense to freeze the perfect moment, knowing exactly when the lead singer is going to dive into the crowd, anticipating the moment between the guitarist and the drummer, an art where beads of sweat are a badge of honour. Beginning this evening at Ottawa Studio Works, 160 Preston Street, a chance to see some of the works from music photographers Harry Nowell, Steve Gerecke, Jean Labelle, Brian Goldschmeid, Andre Ringuette, Scott Martin (and me, and this is where I sing the song 'One of these is not like the other...'!) You'll see images from Bluesfest, Ottawa Folk Festival, Jazz Festival, and more... and its a great way to kick off music festival season in Ottawa. Hope to see you there! for more www.harrynowell.com/blog (pictured above) Elvis Costello by Brian Goldschmeid (pictured above) Blind Boys of Alabama by Harry Nowell (pictured above) Dave Navarro by Sandy Sharkey

Dreamlift to Disney with the Sunshine Foundation!

Tuesday, April 24,2012. At 3am, Ottawa International Airport was buzzing with the promise of no ordinary day: the opening scene for what would be an amazing experience for 76 physically challenged and seriously ill children in the national capital area. A year in the planning, the Sunshine Foundation of Canada had raised the funds to send these kids to Disney World in Florida. Every kid's dream. For these children, daily life is about medical appointments, special needs and challenges that become routine for themselves and their loving families. On this day, it was all about one thing, and one thing only: FUN. Big giant tons of good old fashioned FUN. I was thrilled to tag along for the ride. Each kid was matched up with a 'buddy'. Many had only met each other the night before - 'buddies' included CHEO medical staff, RCMP staff, and regular everyday big-hearted people. For most of the kids, even going on the plane was a 'first', and moments after take-off, the entire cabin erupted in cheers and applause. Moments after landing, the Sunshine Foundation's Orlando volunteers greeted us on the tarmac. Wheelchairs, special needs, every last detail was handled with ease as the kids and escorts boarded buses and we were off to the Magic Kingdom on a gorgeous sunny day. Mathieu Gagnon and Colby Audette didn't let their wheelchairs slow them down one bit. Together with their escorts Mireille Choquette and Timothy Diebel, Mathieu and Colby posed for the group photo just inside Disney's entrance, and the giant sign 'Let the Memories Begin'. With my backpack filled with camera and video gear, I joined my new friends and off we went. Space Mountain was first, followed by the Buzz Lightyear Ride, the Racetrack... Mathieu and Colby were having the time of their lives. Their escorts Mireille and Timothy were going to oblige every single request from these boys, from the rides to the junk food- not one thing was going to be denied this day at the Magic Kingdom. Throughout the day, I wandered through the park, catching up on stories with Dreamlift kids and volunteers- all of which were easy to spot with the bright yellow t-shirts, tucked into the rides at Splash Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean, or enjoying giant ice cream cones and lollipops while watching the Disney parade. Disney staff ensured that there were no line-ups for these kids - which I thought was extremely cool - it was all about having the most fun possible! Big smiles, a few sunburned noses, stuffed toys and Mickey Mouse ears, the kids were beaming at the end of the day. The volunteers were happy, but exhausted- somehow the kids still had energy to spare as we headed back to the airport. An experience these kids will never forget. And the same goes for me. Sheer joy! Thank you to all who donate to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada- including the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association and the Automotive Recyclers of Canada, who sponsored this Dreamlift trip. For more information about how to get involved, or to make a donation, www.sunshine.ca

GO SENS GO!!!!

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED! THE HOCKEY NEWS!! ABC SPORTS! NBC SPORTS! AND ALL THE HOCKEY EXPERTS ON THE PLANET! No one thought the Ottawa Senators would come close to making the play-offs!! And here we are!!! Series tied 2 - 2 against the mighty New York Rangers! Can't wait for the game tonight. Thinking of having some tostitos and salsa. You?

Pie-Caken! World's Most Un-Apologetic Dessert?

Its a pie! Its a cake! No, its two pies and two cakes! Pies baked INSIDE cake! Then slathered in icing! Its the PIE-CAKEN! Enough to feed a family of 8 for a month! My friend Louise Boulet makes them. I'm trying to talk her into sharing the recipe and instructional video. Just for one reason only: this must be the most in-your-face dessert ever concocted. Watch this space for PIE-CAKEN news!!!

Happy Easter!

Why the Juno Awards Matter

The Juno Awards are in town on Sunday night, hosted by William Shatner! Canadian music royalty will descend on Scotiabank Place and it promises to be a great night of entertainment. From Newfoundland to BC, tv's will be tuned in to see the singers and bands that got their start in the school band, or the dive across town, or they were the guys you knew that played in the drummer's parents' basement. No matter how they got their start, they should all be proud, as Canadian musicians continue to wow the world with everything from unique blends of everything from punk celtic to opera to jazz fusion, country and straight ahead rock and roll. Our country is the birthplace of some of the top darlings in the history of music: from Paul Anka, Leonard Cohen, and Oscar Peterson to Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Robbie Robertson, The Guess Who, and Rush...just to name a few. What defines Canadian music? Why is it so unique? Perhaps the answer lies in our passion for it. We like to share it, and we like it when a 'Canadian' musician gets attention around the world, but we take a great deal of pride in the notion that 'he or she' is OURS, and there is no better fan of a Canadian musician, than a Canadian. How many thousands of us from coast to coast have experienced the quintessential hot summer Canadian night, sandals and bare feet on grass, fanning out from the stage,swaying and singing along with the chorus of 'Hasn't Hit Me Yet', a sweat-stained Greg Keelor sharing the spotlight with the energy that is Jim Cuddy. And when the song comes to an end, we hold our beer cups in the air, and the boys from Blue Rodeo return the gesture, and at that moment, no one else in the world would get it. It is more than fitting that Blue Rodeo is going to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame this Sunday night at the Juno Awards. After countless awards, and millions of records sold, the numbers alone should be enough to earn Blue Rodeo the highest honour in Canadian music. But for Blue Rodeo's fans, we know they deserve it for a whole other set of reasons: a nearby lake, a bonfire, good friends, and Blue Rodeo. It just doesn't get any better than that.



A selection of videos from artists appearing at the Junos on Sunday night!

Helping our Inuit Children Get Sports Gear!

Project North launches Gear Up March 15th, 2012 from Reno Video Productions on Vimeo.

On March 15th, 2012 Project North proudly announced that Mrs. Laureen Harper will be their Honourary Chair and Chris Phillips will be their Honourary Captain.

As well, GearUP! Fill the Bag... Fulfill the Dream web campaign was officially launched.

Citizens right across Canada will be able to help enrich the lives of Inuit children – by filling up virtual hockey bags that Project North will turn into the real thing and then ship off to kids in northern communities. Thanks to the NHLPA Goals & Dreams Fund and our many sponsors!

You can find Gear UP on the website - projectnorth.ca

Produced by: Reno Video Productions

Fur Ball 2012!

Its that time of year again! The Ottawa Humane Society Fur Ball is taking place on March 24th, 2012 at the National Gallery of Canada. This year, the theme is 'Bollywood', your chance to don a sari for the evening (optional!) And as Fur Ball Chair Mrs Laureen Harper told me, a sari is extremely comfortable, lots of extra material. Perfect for dancing and you won't have to skip dessert! Love it!
Please put this night on your calendar- it really is a beautiful event and proceeds go towards the 11,000-plus animals that come through the doors of the shelter each year. Ticket information, www.939bobfm.com



(above) honorary Fur Ball chair Mrs Laureen Harper participates in the after-care of a cat who has just been spayed



(above) Luke is a St Bernard looking for a forever home. He was rescued from the 'Paws-R-Us' puppy mill and is getting wonderful attention at the Humane Society, but he would really like to come home with you! www.ottawahumane.ca has all the details about Luke!

Big Lebowski Fest

One of the funniest movies ever made (in my humble opinion) is The Big Lebowski. The film didn't exactly set box office records when it hit theatres in 1998, but it's popularity has grown over the years. Those who love the movie, REALLY love it. 'Lebowskifest' brings fans of the film together 2 or 3 times a year, and something incredible happened at Lebowskifest in New York City last summer: the cast of the movie showed up. Yep, from the 'Dude' himself, Jeff Bridges, to John Goodman and Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, even John Turturro and T-Bone Burnett appeared on stage at the Beacon Theatre to discuss 'The Big Lebowski'. I was lucky enough to be in the audience for a casual, hilarious, and often poignant question-and-answer session. It was obvious that each cast member looks back on 'The Big Lebowski' with much fondness and joy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Dude abide.

Red Sky at Night, ..... out like a lamb?

It's March!! It's March! Yay! Why does this matter? Because March means that winter is almost over!! I usually like winter but this winter...not so much. Spring can't come fast enough. But good signs are popping up all over the place. Spring fashions are back in the stores. And I just bought a litre of cream with a best before date of April 3rd. Yes, these are things that excite me!

Was I Supposed to Be Scared?

(above) two geckos and a katydid: this scene unfolded within a hanging lamp in our room, Montezuma, Costa Rica



(above) Why did the monkey cross the road in front of us....


My girlfriend and I just got back from a whirl-wind trip to Costa Rica. Everyone is asking the same question, 'what resort did you stay at..'. Well, hmmm....we didn't stay at a resort. We rented a clunker SUV from some sort of 'rent a clunker' business, and off we went through the jungle. Our SUV's brakes squealed the moment we drove off the lot, and we thought about returning it. But by then, I was already referring to 'it' as 'her', and once you refer to something as 'her', well..you already have a personal connection. Besides, we didn't want to waste an entire day of our trip negotiating a change to another vehicle that didn't squeal. We drove through the rainforest, climbed steep mountain passes, skirted the ocean and gorgeous beaches with no one in sight, and climbed into a boat for a 90 minute ride through mangroves to reach a special destination: a tent in the jungle, just high enough off the ground that things shouldn't be able to bite us or eat us. But they could if they really wanted to. We did everything we set out to do. We saw a country for what it really is: gorgeous, natural, people with as easy-going nature and desire to help two (occasionally lost) girls from Canada, and wildlife that surprised us each and every moment.




(above) a toucan has a domestic dispute



(above) embracing the sunset




(above) it's not easy being green




(above) river? what river?

You should Want a Wovel!

So the winter of 2011-2012 started with a wimper. It looked like it was going to be one of those 'blink and you'll miss it' kind of winters, where ski hills will work all night to make snow only to have it wash away by rain the next day. One of those winters where your tulip leaves will poke up next to the south facing wall of the house. A winter where you hardly think to wear a hat because it's just not worth the effort. Just days before Christmas we were lamenting that it was going to be a 'green' holiday. But then something happened. Winter!! An old fashioned, freezing cold then snowy then freezing cold then snowy kind of winter! Let me pass along one tip, if you are a shoveller: get one of these contraptions pictured here. It's called a husband. Ha, just kidding. It's called a 'wovel'. It looks ridiculous but it really works. The 'wheel' part of the wovel makes shovelling a breeze. Do yourself a favour and get a wovel, OR try to win a trip south with 'Bob Get Me Outta Here' from our friends at Nolitours and transat holidays. As I write this, yet another winter storm warning is in effect. And yes, you will have to wovel it.

Things You Should Never Say in an Interview

Happy New Year!!! According to business sources, the month of January is one of the top months for job hiring. So, if you're about the pound the pavement, be sure you are ready for that all-important interview. With that in mind, may I present:

THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY IN A JOB INTERVIEW:


How long does it usually take to get a promotion around here?

Is this interview going to take long? I have to be somewhere in half an hour.

Why did the last person leave?

What is it that this company does?

I’m just going to go ahead and answer the question that I wished you asked.

I’m going on vacation soon so once you hire me, you will have to work around that.

I really hope I get this job because I can’t believe how great the salary is!

I would have to say my biggest strength is my ability to mimic barnyard animal sounds.

I left my previous job because it was quite obvious that I was in over my head.

My biggest weakness is probably my inability to get along with anyone.

Personal goals? Yes, I have several! I would like to win more poker games and I hope one day to own a new sofa.

Can I work from home? I don’t really like getting up in the morning.

Awkword Christmas Family Photos

Some things are best left to professionals. Here are a few of my favourite Christmas family photos! Enjoy.

Michelle in the Ikea Box!

Congratulations to Michelle Pomerant, who was chosen to live in a plexi-glass house outside the brand new 400,000 square foot Ikea!! As I write this, Michelle has been living in her temporary home for close to 2 days. If she can make it all the way to the new Ikea store opening on Wednesday morning, Michelle will be the FIRST person through the doors, with a TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR Ikea gift card!! Her plexi-glass box is quite luxurious, decorated with Ikea furniture, curtains for privacy and yes, there is a heater! Michelle's husband Mark and three children can visit as often as they like. Although, Michelle did say that one of the reasons she entered the 'First in Line with Ikea' contest, was to get some peace and quiet for five days! We will be chatting with Michelle on Bob's Breakfast to see how she's making out. What's the first thing Michelle is going to buy when she enters the new Ikea on Wednesday? Personally, I would go straight for the one dollar Ikea breakfast.

Ho Ho Ho! A Personalized Video from Santa!!

Your friends at Bell have created a new web app that celebrates the joy, wonder and magic of the holiday season! Its called Magic Santa!

Simply visit www.magicsanta.ca or www.perenoelmagique.ca

Santa Claus will send a PERSONALIZED video greeting to your kids, or to your unsuspecting spouse!

Alfie on the All Star Team!!

The All Star Game is coming to Ottawa in January and we want Daniel Alfredsson on the team! Daniel has played all 1,069 of his NHL games in an Ottawa Senators jersey. We all know him as a leader both on AND off the ice. Help number 11 get on the All Star Team in his adopted hometown!! Vote here, and vote often!!

http://vote.nhl.com/:b=ie9/#/ballot

Adoption Story Contest!

This is Hudson Munson, who we adopted from the Ottawa Humane Society 15 years ago! He is a very distinguished elderly boy now and we love him to pieces. Do you have a Humane Society adoption story to tell? In 500 words or less, tell YOUR story about the Humane Society animal that came into your life- and the happiness you share! You could win $250 in pet supplies from the OHS store! Deadline for entries is noon December 1st. And don't forget to include a photo! All details at www.ottawahumane.ca

Save animals - get this Calendar!!

Ottawa photographer Sean Sisk has worked for months to put together a gorgeous 18-month calendar called 'Pets with Personalities'! For just 25.00, this calendar will make a great Christmas gift- and it will benefit the lost and abandoned animals in our community! Here in Ottawa, we love our pets! And the 'Pets with Personalities' calendar highlights pet-lovin' personalities and their best four legged friends.
And there's no better way to kick off a brand new calendar - than with a big bash! Join us next Sunday at D'Arcy McGee's on Sparks Street, from 1 to 5!

There will be music, prizes, lots of laughs and of course the 'Pets with Personalities' calendar will be available for sale. I am thrilled to be the emcee for the afternoon, and I hope to see you!

Details at www.facebook/PetsWithPersonalities or www.siskphoto.com (info@siskphoto.com)