Its

Only 2 shopping hours left til Christmas! As I write this, my own husband is frantically driving around the streets of Ottawa, searching for stuff. He is joined by thousands of other husbands.
All the best to you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ultimate Christmas Gift for the SENS FAN!!!!

Its BACK!!! Sens Army: Operation Barbados!!
For Senators fans, this is the trip of a lifetime! What do Ottawans love most: the Ottawa Senators! And in second place: escaping winter and heading south!
Operation Barbados is the best of both worlds! Last March, ‘Hockey Night in Barbados’ was so much fun, we’re doing it again. 4 days in gorgeous Barbados, a super-charged Sens beach party, all this plus you’ll be special guests of Sens owner Eugene Melnyk as we SHOUT FOR THE SENS at Berts Bar! 2 nights at Berts Bar are lined up, with giant screens showing the Sens vs Montreal Canadiens, and the Sens vs the Leafs! You can’t beat the atmosphere of this Sens-crazed bar! And Eugene and Bert are fantastic hosts! Spartacat is already packed and ready to go! SIGN UP NOW! It’s a fantastic Christmas gift idea for the Senators fan on your list. For details, click on this link: http://senators.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=19342

What a Great Christmas Story!

PICTURED ABOVE...Kelly Leblanc of the Westminster Pet Sanctuary,
yours truly, Conner the wonder puppy, Conner's new mom Jan Hansen, and dog match-maker Steve Gregory!
Readers of this blog may know the story of little Conner, the stray puppy with quite a bleak future (he was 15 minutes from being euthanized after being found on the side of the road in the Port Hope area). I was part of a 'transport team' to bring him to Kelly at the Westminster Pet Sanctuary, where he has been getting stronger and healthier and happy-puppy-er (ok thats not a word). And this morning, after a visit to see us at BOB FM, Conner got a new home!! Thank you to Kelly for all she did to save this wonderful little guy, thank you to Steve Gregory for introducing Conner to Chum Radio's Jan Hansen (and her hubby Kirk), because now this pup is getting one fantastic home! Just in time for Christmas! All's well that end's well. What a great story!

Computer Problems? Nah!!

Steve Gregory sent this video along. For all the people out there who have 'problems with technology', check it out. You will laugh out loud. Warning: it may want you to find a sledge-hammer


http://glumbert.com/wii/view.php?name=baddayoffice

Two best cookie recipes in the whole world

CAN WE BOTH PLEASE HAVE SOME COOKIES?!!!

Just in time for Christmas baking (and giving as gifts) :

I would now like to pass along the TWO BEST COOKIES RECIPES IN THE WORLD!!!!! The first cookie recipe is for KIDS (big and small!) and the second cookie recipe is for DOGS!! Do not get them mixed up!

'Chocolate Crunch Cookies' (for people)

1 1/2 cups butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 cups oats

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup pecans

1. preheat oven to 350

2. mix together butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended

3. add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, Rice Krispies, chocolate chips, and pecans and stir together

4. drop batter on baking sheets in large mounds of about 3 tbsp, 3 inches apart, and flatten with hand. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until pale gold.

Tasty Treats - FOR DOGS!!!!!

1 1/4 cups water

1 1/4 cups peanut butter

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix water and peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth. Combine flours and baking powder in a separate bowl, then gradually stir into wet mixture. Knead dough by hand, adding small amounts of water if consistency is too dry. Roll onto a lightly floured surface and cut treats with a cookie cutter. Bake on cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Cool for several hours before storing!

Want Some Bunny to Love?

Due to zoning by-laws, New Moon Rabbit Rescue is desperately seeking foster homes for the 34 rabbits currently in their care! The City of Ottawa has given a deadline of Dec 18th for this rabbit rescue agency to find homes for these beautiful bunnies, including 3 bonded pairs and a bonded trio. If you've ever thought about adopting (or fostering) a rabbit, they make wonderful pets...and New Moon will provide you with cages and accessories if required. All the details are at www.newmoonrabbitrescue.ca! Once you see the photos of these sweet bunnies....... ok, enough said...check them out for yourself!

Who Doesn't Love 'The Smitten Mitten'!

See how much they adore each other?

And their hands are nice and warm too!

This couple is wearing a 'Smitten Mitten'!

I was out shopping the other day and I stumbled upon a revolutionary new product for Canadian winters! Its called 'the Smitten Mitten'! If you're frustrated by layers of glove or mitten stuffing coming between you and your wife or lover's hand, then this is for you! On those icy cold days, you and your partner can each slide your hand into the Smitten Mitten, thus holding hands 'skin against skin' and staying warm at the same time! Caution: as one of our listener's pointed out, while wearing the Smitten Mitten, be sure to warn your partner if you plan to wave at someone, flag a cab, or scratch yourself!

I first saw actor James McAvoy in the movie 'Chronicles of Narnia', in which he played the 'faun' named Tumnus. I thought he had amazing charisma. And just recently I saw 'The Last King of Scotland' (yeah I know, its been out for a year!), and there was James McAvoy, playing Idi Amin's doctor. Again, he was incredible. Next week, the movie 'Atonement' hits the theatres, and it stars....you guessed it, James McAvoy. Also starring Keira Knightly, 'Atonement' is being billed as a 'tragic romance'. I have already watched the trailer 3 times with kleenex in hand, so I can imagine how much I will bawl in the theatre.

I am predicting, before this movie opens, that James McAvoy will become the next big thing. James McAvoy will be bigger than Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, and all those other Oceans 11 boys put together. And if he's not, I will eat my words. Click here to see the trailer for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATtSfe_DaJU

Make sure you have kleenex handy!

Connor is Too Sweet

The Westminster Pet Sanctuary reports that Connor is doing very well, he's active, happy, and has already visited some kids' school classes, and the kids love him! Connor will soon be up for adoption (I would bring him home myself, but I have 3 dogs....sure is hard to resist the temptation) www.westminsterpetsanctuary.com for all the details.

This last chance haven for so many animals desperately needs donors to committ $10.00, $15.00, $20.00 per month. If you are an animal lover, please consider giving. You can use the website www.canadahelps.org to make your donation, and you will get a tax receipt instantly! Thank you from the animals!

Puppy Needs Our Help!

This is Conner. Conner was found as a stray puppy in the Port Hope area, and his prognosis was not good. Last night, I was part of a transport team to bring Conner to the Westminster Pet Sanctuary just east of Ottawa. My husband and I met Conner in Kingston and after quite a few licks on the face, we were on our journey. This sweet lab-mix puppy is now under the care of Kelli LeBlanc at the Westminster Pet Sanctuary (and medical care from Alta Vista Animal Hospital). The Westminster Pet Sanctuary rescues 'special needs' pets, which can be quite costly. Connor will get the help he needs, then he will be available for adoption. Please consider donating to help Conner (and many others like him) at the Westminster Pet Sanctuary, www.westminsterpetsanctuary.com or call 613-673-2699. $10 or $ 15 goes a long way for these animals. And who knows? Conner may just become part of your family. I can vouch for him. This is one gorgeous puppy, inside and out. You'll love him!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving! When do the stores open

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends in the USA! I love American Thanksgiving because I love having a holiday so much, I can actually enjoy someone else's holiday through osmosis. Just knowing a country next to ours is having a holiday makes me happy. Plus, there are neat things on tv when its American Thanksgiving. The Macys Parade, daytime football, and I just watched the 'National Dog Show', where 2000 dogs competed for 'Best in show'! And the winner was a female Australian shepherd, like the one picture above. I didn't catch her name, and this picture isn't the actual winner, because I can't find her picture on the internet anywhere, because she just won ten minutes ago, but I was so excited when she won, that I found a picture of someone else's Australian shepherd. Yes, I do own two Australian shepherds, but I am in no way biased towards the breed.

To our American friends: Hope you enjoy your day today with family and friends. I just saw a TV commercial for Macys Department Store advertising their 'day after Thanksgiving sale', which starts at 4 am tomorrow. I don't think I've ever set my alarm for 3:30 am to go shopping. But I would if the situation presented itself!

Big thanks to Ion Aimers and the staff at 'The Works' new location in Orleans. JR and I were out last Friday for the grand opening and we had a great time. I've always loved the Works' burgers, and the Orleans location also has the most delicious maple smoked chicken.mmmmm yummy. I also left the restaurant with a brand new Mike Fisher life size cardboard cut-out thanks to Ion and the staff. It was one of the best nights of my life.

The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign is underway! As our society becomes more and more cashless (many of us just carry a bank card now!) this is just a reminder to keep some cash aside for the Salvation Army Kettle, which is the major source of funds to ensure that those less fortunate do have a special Christmas. I was at the Loeb in Bells Corners yesterday, saw the Kettle, and realized I had no cash, because I hardly carry it anymore! I did get some money for a donation but it made me wonder........is our 'cashless society' hurting campaigns like these?

Just something to think about. Put some toonies (or $$ bills!) in your pocket for the Kettle next time you head out to a mall.

p.s. or....you can save your $$$ and stop by 87 George Street on December 14th. Personalities from the A Channel and all 4 CHUM Radio stations will be outside the building collecting for the Salvation Army from 8 to midnight. I will be on the sidewalk as of 8:30 am, asking for your money. I may bring both of my Mike Fishers with me. See you then!

Santa Has a New Route

Santa Claus is coming!! Santa Claus is coming!! Outside of family, Santa Claus is everyone’s favourite person. I think at this time every year, Santa Claus should be on the cover of all the magazines. Cosmo, Vogue, Mens Health Journal, People, Kids Geographic, every single magazine should have Santa on the cover. This Saturday, the Santa Claus Parade winds its way through downtown Ottawa, starting at City Hall at 11 am. Firefighters will happily collect cash and NEW unwrapped toys along the route for needy kids. The route has changed slightlydue to construction, so you can check out the updated route on the front page of this website. And remember, stake out your place on the parade route early, so you can be on the SUNNY side of the street! Not only is it more pleasant, it is MUCH WARMER!!! From your warm sunny spot, you can laugh at the people across the street who are freezing!! They are so cold they are blowing into their hands! Their teeth are chattering!! Their shoulders are raised and tense due to the cold! You can point and laugh at them! Anyway, I think the thing I love most about the Santa Claus parade, is the true spirit of kindness and caring towards others. I especially love that part.

The Neiman Marcus list of Fantasy Christmas gifts is just what you need for the multi-millionaire or billionaire on your list. How about a ‘conversational robot’ which can hold conversations, recognize family members and give advice. Price: $75,000. Or a two-person submarine. Price: 1.4 million (and comes with a free keychain) Or (I love this one) how about ‘his ‘n hers portraits’ done in chocolate syrup? Price: $110,000. For a complete list of 2007 Christmas fantasy gifts, http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03neiman-marcus-2007-fantasy-gifts/

I wanted to pass along congratulations to Joseph Saikaley, style guru extraordinaire and owner of Byblos Salon at Bank and First in the Glebe. Joseph was just appointed ‘style editor’ for Capital Style Magazine. Not only is Joseph an amazing stylist, from hair to make-up and fashion, he’s just a really great guy and a caring philanthropist. He is far too humble to publicize his contributions to charity and the well-being of others, so I will do it for him. Congratulations, Joseph! And yes, I am still biting my nails.

Now its Our Turn to Help the Goose Who Wouldn't Give Up

Throughout this past summer, golfers at the Amberwood Golf Course in Stittsville unofficially adopted a 'mascot': a Canada goose who could not fly. The bird was obviously born with a defect in its wings, (a condition called 'angel wings) yet he was able to walk, forage for food and 'be a goose'. His strong spirit was an inspiration. With colder weather, the good people at the Amberwood Golf Course took him to the Wild Bird Care Centre (we are so lucky to have this facility!) However, it would appear that bureaucracy BEYOND the Wild Bird Care Centre may be intervening, and the goose may be euthanized. The following is a press release about the story. Can we save Angel Wings?

ONTARIO WILDLIFE COALITION
221 Broadview Avenue, Suite 101
Toronto, ON M4M 2G3
416-462-9541 (p) 416-462-9647 (f)

Is the fate of this Ottawa goose cooked?

Fate of flightless Canada goose “Angel Wings” in the
hands of an agency with no jurisdiction!

Appeals made to Premier McGuinty and Minister
Baird, both Ottawa politicians to intervene to save this bird.

November 13, 2007: The fate of a flightless Canada goose who survived the first few months of his or her life on the grounds of the Amberwood Golf and County Club remains unresolved.

"This young goose has generated tremendous public interest here in Ottawa," said Donna DuBreuil, spokesperson with the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "There has been a lot of public concern and media interest. The goose has a medical condition called “angel wing” which prevents it from flying. It is otherwise in good condition and has not only survived but thrived on a local golf course over the summer."

Because of the cold weather and approaching winter, the goose was removed from the golf course and is temporarily being held at the Wild Bird Care Centre. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary could provide a permanent home for this goose because it has the necessary migratory bird permits and has a single non-releasable goose who needs a companion.

"We are deeply concerned with the fate of this bird," said Barry MacKay, Canadian Representative for the Animal Protection Institute. "Although the Canadian Wildlife Service has jurisdiction over migratory birds such as Canada geese, there are repeated references to the Ministry of Natural Resources as deciding the fate of the goose. In our estimation, this is very bad news for the goose given the Ministry's approach to many wildlife concerns."

"Ottawa residents are deeply concerned for the welfare of the goose and do not want to see the bird killed. They think this goose has earned the right to be placed in an appropriate captive-care facility to live with other geese," said Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance and spokesperson for the Ontario Wildlife Coalition. "With the involvement of the Ministry of Natural Resources, we are concerned about the fate of this goose. That’s why we've written to Premier McGuinty as an Ottawa area MPP to ensure that the Ministry does not breach its jurisdiction by determining the fate of this bird. And that's why we have written to the Honourable John Baird, federal Minister of the Environment, to intervene and ensure proper long term care placement for the goose."

- 30 –

Contact information: Donna DuBreuil, 613-726-8178, Barry MacKay 905-472-9731, Liz White, 416-462-9541, 416-809-4371(cell)

Remember Forever

Today is Remembrance Day. We honour and remember the sacrifices made by Canadian men and women who fought - and continue to fight - for our freedom. My husband and I visited Vimy Ridge in August. The monument is stark and spectacular. The photos I took at Vimy Ridge do not do justice to the emotion you feel on that monument, overlooking the vast fields where so many lives were lost. We owe so much. We must never forget.

Angelina loves Cheezies from Belleville!

Matt Hamer, producer for 'the Morning After' on Bob FM, hails from beautiful Belleville. Belleville is the home of Hawkins Cheezies. It is a well-known fact that 'Hawkins Cheezies' are an official 'UN' product. (just check the label on the bag!) Angelina Jolie is a spokesperson for the UN. So it was just a matter of time before photographers caught her enjoying her favourite snack from Belleville Ontario. Thank you to James Stevenson for passing along the photo!

Firefighters Make Women Swoon

Thank you to Mark & Liz, Leslie & Kevin, and Jim &Yves for joining us on the ‘Bob’s Big Brain’ team at World Trivia Night! Over 230 teams raised $62,000 for Champions for Children and it was great fun. After placing ‘15th’ in the past 2 consecutive years, our goal this year was to finish in the coveted ‘14th’ spot. We finished in 27th place. If we had been able to use our cell phones and lap tops we may have won the whole thing. Oh well, there’s always next year……

Firefighters! Firefighters! Firefighters! What is it about firefighters that make women ‘swoon’. That’s the only time you ever hear the word ‘swoon’. There’s still time to be in the same room as Ottawa firefighters, to be pampered by Ottawa firefighters, and to be swooned by Ottawa firefighters. Get your tickets to ‘What a Girl Wants’, a night out for women this Wednesday Nov 7th at the Westin Hotel, which includes a 3 course dinner, fashion shows, auction items, and firefighters. All proceeds to the Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation, ticket info at www.liver.ca!

Its Christmas time in the city! Yep, the official Christmas season kicked in as of midnight Oct 31st. Had to get that thing called ‘Hallowe’en’ out of the way first. I was in one of those 15-minute oil change places and they were playing Christmas music on November 1st. I can understand retailers playing Christmas music to get shoppers ‘in the mood’ to spend $$$$$.......but an ‘oil change’ garage? If I hear ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ or ‘White Christmas’ at an oil change garage, will that make me buy a transmission flush for everyone on my list? Actually, that’s not a bad idea. May as well have a couple of jugs of windshield washer fluid wrapped with care under the tree too.

Thank you so much to Natalie and Jennifer, special guests of ‘The Morning After’ on Bob FM last Friday. These women are known as the ‘entertaining divas’ and they whipped up some pretty entertaining drinks right in the studio. The Wine and Food Show was back for another year with a lot of new products for people to chug, er..I mean, sip delicately. One new product is called ‘Pearl Pomegranate Vodka’ and its delicious. Here is the recipe for the ‘Santini’, a fantastic holiday martini that’s pretty to look at and it tastes great:

2 0z Pearl Pomegranate Vodka
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz pomegranate or cranberry juice
Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist!

And here’s the ‘Pearl Flirtini’

1 ½ oz Pearl Pomegranate Vodka
4 oz chilled champagne
Splash of grenadine

Pour vodka into flute and add champagne to full. Add a splash of grenadine for color. Drink. Mmmmmm…

I wanted to pass along some information about a pet sanctuary that has recently come to my attention. They are called the ‘Westminster Pet Sanctuary’, located in Curran east of Ottawa, and for the past 15 years they have taken in ONLY special needs animals. These animals all require medical care, which of course is costly. They have dogs and cats that need help and the Westminster Pet Sanctuary needs money so desperately, for the first time in 15 years they are pleading with the public to give whatever they can. $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, whatever you can afford, they also have secure on-line PayPal so you can donate using Visa and they are a registered charity so your donation is tax deductible. For more information, go to http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON149.html
These animals need our help! Thank you!

Double Shot of Britney!

Ottawa resident Lindsay Spencer discovered something interesting on Friday! You only need to be in L.A for a couple of hours before 'boom', you're partying with Britney Spears! This was quite a thrill for Lindsay, being a Britney fan from the early days. Britney partied hard, but did get home in time to rest up for her trip to Kanata on Saturday!

And here she is, night # 2 of a most excellent weekend! How incredible is THIS!!!! My blog-arazzi photographers caught Britney Spears again! Here she is on the right, looking all 'retro' from her 'Baby Hit Me One More Time' days. Thanks to John Rodenburg for the 'heads up' on this one. Britney was a real hit in suburban Kanata!!

WORST HALLOWE'EN COSTUME EVER

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST HALLOWE'EN COSTUMES I'VE EVER SEEN. THIS IS A DUCK DRESSED UP AS A HORSE. WAY TO GO!!

It’s the time of year that scares me the most…….Hallowe’en! The ghosts and witches and things that scream, that is not the scary part. It’s the attempt to come up with a clever costume that really scares me. It doesn’t seem to matter how much work I put into a costume, the end result is always the same. Hallowe’en party-goers ask me, ‘So….what are YOU supposed to be’? It’s never a good sign when people ask you that. Actually, last year, I didn’t get that question, because I wore a white sheet with two holes cut out for the eyes, and yes, I was a ghost. See, it doesn’t get much more lame than that.

Just got this week’s copy of ‘People’ Magazine, and wow, right there, full page spread, Ottawa’s own Adam Beach being proclaimed ‘People Magazine’s Sexy Man of the Week’! You can see him in his new role, playing detective Chester Lake on ‘Law and Order: SVU’. Congratulations to Adam for being the ‘sexy man of the week’. I’m sure the day he got the honor, his wife Tara didn’t make him put his socks in the laundry basket.

Saturday has been declared ‘Greyhound Planet Day’ in the city of Ottawa!! Retired racing greyhounds are fantastic family dogs and this is a special day to raise awareness about their unique characteristics, and to have a lot of fun too. Contests, costumes, there’s even a greyhound parade. It all takes place at Christ Church Cathedral Hall on Sparks Street from 10 to 3. More about ‘Greyhound Planet Day’ on this website, pet friendly section. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet the newest 4-legged addition to your family.

Did you get your Bon Jovi tickets yet? I checked on-line and it appeared that there are only ‘rear view’ seats still available. But this is Bon Jovi, so ‘rear view’ is the view of choice for many women. Oh yeah, he sings too! Actually, I saw Bon Jovi in Montreal about 3 years ago and it was a fantastic show. Something about those New Jersey rockers! p.s. listen to the ‘Morning After’ this Thursday , for a chance to win FRONT ROW seats for Bon Jovi’s concert Nov 17th.

It Must be Big if its in Rolling Stone Magazine

Did you go to the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band show on Sunday? Was that not ‘the’ definition of a ‘no-holds-barred- ROCK SHOW? Arcade Fire joining Bruce on stage was pretty cool too. They sang ‘State Trooper’ together, and the next day I searched Youtube to see if there was any footage of Bruce and Arcade Fire together on stage …..and here’s the link! Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5bT1_niUgk
This piece of music news was also detailed at http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/10/15/springsteen-joined-by-arcade-fire-members-in-ottawa-to-unearth-state-trooper/.
Yay!! Three cheers for Ottawa!!!! Bruce Springsteen’s Ottawa visit has been a top story in Rolling Stone magazine TWICE. When he was here a couple of summers ago for his solo ‘Devils and Dust’ tour, Scotiabank Place was hit by lightning, the power went out, and Bruce just kept playing with minimal lights and a couple of generator-powered amplifiers. It made for an incredibly memorable show, because Bruce was undaunted and had a great sense of humour about the whole thing.

Don’t forget, Bon Jovi tickets go on sale this Saturday morning at 10 am. Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and the band play Scotiabank Place on Saturday November 17th. The last time I saw Bon Jovi, it was in Montreal and Heather Locklear was at the side of the stage. I don’t think she’s going to come to the Ottawa show.
p.s. we will be giving away Bon Jovi tickets on BOB FM, so stay tuned!!

If you have an extra 1.5 million dollars that’s not being used to pay hydro bills, here’s something you can buy! How about Orson Welles’ Oscar, for the movie ‘Citizen Kane’?! Sothebys auction house expects to fetch around 1.5 million dollars for the actual Oscar, won by Orson Welles for writing the movie that critics call ‘the best movie ever made’. Not sure I agree with that. I finally got around to renting ‘Citizen Kane’ one day because I felt that I should watch the ‘greatest movie ever made’. Huh? I found it incredibly boring. And it wasn’t even in colour! What a rip-off.

But if you really think about it, why would you want to own SOMEONE ELSE’s award? If you had someone else’s curling trophy or someone else’s baseball MVP award, or someone else’s ‘debating club’ trophy, maybe you could pass it off as your own. But it would be next to impossible to convince a guest that you won an Oscar for writing ‘Citizen Kane’. Best movie ever made. Next to ‘Blades of Glory’.

I was at a grocery store the other day, when a firefighter handed me a brochure. This month is ‘Fire Safety’ month, and its very important to make sure your entire family has an escape route if you see or smell smoke or flames. Taking a few minutes to get a plan together now can save serious injury should a fire break out. I thanked the firefighter for passing along this very important public service. Then I wondered if there is a Firefighter auction coming up. If anyone knows any details (I can’t seem to find any details) please let me know, so I can pass the information along to others. There are only a couple of months left in everyone’s Firefighters of Ottawa calendar and yikes! We need a new one.

Hey! 60 Women Are All Wearing My Shirt!

Pictured: (Above) Mike Fisher and autumn

(beneath Mike Fisher) The official shirt of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club servers

How about those Ottawa Senators!!!! Went to two games this past weekend, the Sens won both (actually, at the time I write this, the last game they LOST was the Stanley Cup final w-a-a-ay back when). When I got to the first level concourse at Scotiabank Place on Saturday, I noticed a lovely woman who was wearing the exact same top that I have. It’s a striped top with a semi-turtle neck, pictured here. I loved the shirt when I bought it back in the summer. Sometime in July, I think. Anyway, after seeing one woman at the Sens game wearing my shirt, I saw another…then another….then another… then I began to realize, that my exact striped shirt is now the ‘uniform’ for Ottawa Senators servers! On Saturday night, SIXTY women were wearing my exact same shirt. There are two ways I can react to this: a) I can be horrified that my shirt is not an original, or
b) I can wear my shirt to Sens games and get an employee discount on beer . I really like the latter!

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone….and once again, I have no leftovers. My sister and her husband host Thanksgiving every year, and serve up a fabulous turkey dinner. Since I’m a guest, I don’t get leftovers. The day after Thanksgiving, I think that people with turkey left-overs wake up, wipe the sleep from their eyes, put their feet on the floor, then instantly start to salivate at the thought of the turkey left-overs. Some have will power, and are able to make it all the way to noon hour, before they make a turkey sandwich. That’s about the time someone calls me to tell me they are eating a turkey sandwich, with stuffing, and cranberries. When I get that phone call, I am usually eating raisin bran or a microwaved pogo. Would someone at Farm Boy please think of the rest of us, and start selling turkey left-overs?
My other sister makes the Christmas turkey, so I don’t get left-overs on that day either. Next time I’m at Farm Boy, I’m going to put this into the suggestion box. Please sell left-overs. So people like me can be like people that still have turkey in the fridge. Thank you.

The 'sca-a-a-ry season' is here and the 'Chills for Cheo' CRYPT OF TORMENT is back! Located at 34 Tradewinds Drive in Barrhaven, the CRYPT OF TORMENT promises to be scarier than ever!! Volunteers work around the year to get it ready for ultimate spookiness so bring the whole family out! tHIS is a monstrous fundraiser for Cheo, with all details at www.chillsforcheo.com! BOO!!!

Wild Animals Need Your Help

I am very thankful that we live in a compassionate society. We take care of each other through countless acts of kindness and charity and generosity. The residents of the Ottawa-Gatineau area always rise to the occasion when someone is in need. Our compassion also extends to those who cannot speak for themselves: the animals. That's why I urge you to go to this website: http://www.helpbabywildlife.ca/ , and sign the petition. Wild animals who become orphaned, sick, or injured, have a very bleak future in this province and its time for some laws to be changed. I've always loved the quote by Ghandi, 'you can judge a society by the way it treats its animals'. Please sign the petition and spread the word.

Well What d'ya Know

Its that time of year again! Bob’s Big Brain needs to sharpen up for game day. Yes, it’s the return of ‘World Trivia Night’, North America’s largest live trivia event with 2500 participants. The event is not til Friday November 2nd (at the Aberdeen pavilion, Lansdowne Park) but this Tuesday I will be hosting ‘Team Captain night’ at Moe’s Newport Restaurant, a bit of a ‘trivia warm-up’ with fast-paced trivia questions being fired out to very enthusiastic trivia and pizza lovers. Trivia master Paul Paquette is back on board and it will be a ton of fun. If you’ve never participated in ‘World Trivia Night’, get 9 other people together, give your team a silly name, and register TODAY at www.worldtrivianight.com! It’s a huge fundraiser for ‘Champions for Children’ (over half a million dollars raised over the last 10 years). Our humble team, ‘Bob’s Big Brain’ will be back, trying to best our 15th place showing for the past 2 years. See you November 2nd at the Aberdeen Pavilion!

One night only…this Wednesday…promises to be the best girl’s night out, like, EVER!! Its called ‘What a Girl Wants’ , a fundraiser for the Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation. The Westin Hotel will be the hotspot with one lively event, where you can mix and mingle, enjoy delicious food, and get hooked up with the latest fashions, beauty treatments, jewellery and handbags! I will be there, probably never very far away from anything chocolate. For more information about ‘What a Girl Wants’, go to www.liver.ca!

Be careful what you wish for……..
Last Friday my husband Rob and I had dinner in the market then went to get the car at the city parking lot, where ‘lo and behold’, there was Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher at the parking payment machine! I of course immediately ran away. Not sure why, maybe its because I was worried about saying something completely unintelligible, which happens when I meet certain famous people. Rob had to go to the payment machine so he and Mike Fisher chatted away about this and that….play-offs, injuries, etc etc. I finally re-appeared only to see Mike Fisher drive away in a big black SUV. Sheesh. I missed my opportunity to say something to him like…..hmmm…what a sunny day it was today and tomorrow’s forecast looks good too.

Speaking of the Senators, the regular season starts this week and everyone is SO pumped about it , they have been incredible in the pre-season!! GO SENS GO !! It starts Wednesday night in T.O against our favourite rivals, the Maple Laffs. Keep listening to BOB FM, on the ‘Morning After’ we will be giving away tickets for Thursday night’s home opener against, yes, once again, the ‘Maple Laffs’. We look forward to another great year, and remember, if you are stuck in traffic behind Ray Emery, he always has the right of way.

Sssh don't move

My husband and I went for a drive on a backwoods road in the Gatineau Hills and this guy just appeared. I fumbled to grab my camera and get a picture and he stuck around just long enough for this shot. What a beautiful deer!

Its Never Too Early for Blue Rodeo

Blue Rodeo in the Byward Market! Canada's favourite band rocked 'Canada AM' to promote their new CD, 'Small Miracles'. Never thought I would see Greg Keelor up and awake at 8 o'clock in the morning. The new CD is great, its true Blue Rodeo, with upbeat Jim Cuddy songs matched by Greg Keelor's more complex and introspective tunes.





Jim Cuddy meets with fans

Jim thinks Greg is funny

(above) Greg and Jim do the interview thing on Canada AM

Live Bands for Breakfast

Blue Rodeo is coming to our own backyard! This Friday, Blue Rodeo puts on a live outdoor concert right here in the Byward Market, on York Street, during the breakfast hour! How cool is that. Blue Rodeo will be, like, just one street over from where I work. You should come on over, the show is free to the public and the band is going to introduce new songs from their upcoming album ‘Small Miracles’. The crowd will start gathering around 6:30am. I think every day should start with a free live concert. There would be a lot less grouchy people in the workplace, if you got to stop and see a live band on the way to work every day. Dancing in the streets in your white blouse and skirt or your suit and tie, clapping along to live music, trying not to spill your Tim Hortons, yeah…..that’s a great way to start a day. I think I’ll suggest that one to the mayor. I can’t think of one reason why he wouldn’t go for it.

One of the things we love about our pets, is the way their personalities change over the years….just like people. My dog Hudson, the tv-watching dog, has just picked up a new habit. Maybe he saw it on tv. Hudson now gets my attention by tapping me on the shoulder. When he wants something, oh…I don’t know, maybe a cookie, or a sandwich, he now just lifts his paw and taps me on the shoulder while I’m sitting at the computer. He just did it now. That’s why I’m writing about it. I have to go for a minute, Hudson wants a piece of garlic bread.

OK. I’m back. Now my dog has garlic breath.

Did you get your Bruce Springsteen tickets? I hope you fared well. When you think about it, you’re not only getting one of the best rock ‘n roll shows around, you’re also getting 2 tv stars too. Max Weinberg on drums … star of the Conan O’Brien Show. Steve van Zant on guitar and vocals. Star of ‘The Sopranos’. (he played Tony’s loyal buddy Silvio). Speaking of Steve van Zant, Bruce Springsteen has a couple of nicknames for him. ‘Little Steven’, and ‘Miami Steve’. Bruce started calling him Miami Steve when they were kids in New Jersey. He got the name because he and his family went to Miami once.

And now….. a completely useless fact. Richard Gere’s middle name is ‘Tiffany’. Go ahead. Bring that one up at the next party.

Date with THE BOSS!!!

Gentlemen, start your engines! Ladies, start your engines! Everyone, start your engines! Then start your computers, charge up your phones, make sure you have gas in the car, maybe even a lawn chair and a sleeping bag. Its MEGA CONCERT ticket buying time once again!! At least I ‘think’ it will be. I’m pretty sure it will be. I am, of course, talking about none other than BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND, coming to Scotiabank Place on Sunday October 14th and the tickets go on sale at 10 am MONDAY SEPT 17TH!!! What to do, what to do? Hope you have the ‘fastest finger’ on the phones? Or the ‘highest speed’ internet? What about doing the old fashioned thing, calling in sick and lining up outside Sports Experts? If I’m not mistaken, the last time Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played the Corel Centre (as it was called in 2003), tickets sold out in 71 minutes, which I believe is still a record. And if you have never seen Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band live in concert, believe me when I tell you, outside of your wedding day, the birth of your children and grandchildren, and the unconditional love of pets, and maybe Christmas, that there is no greater joy on the face of the earth than a Bruce Springsteen concert. And I am not one to exaggerate.

Dogs Would Rather Eat Cheese Than Say Cheese

What a great day!! It was so amazing to see all the wonderful supporters of the Ottawa Humane Society and of course the dogs too – for the 19th annual Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon! I had a great time sharing MC duties with A Channel’s Kurt Stoodley. Give yourselves a big pat on the back (or on the head), over $127,000 raised for the shelter!! I wish I could have taken a photo of each and every dog at the event. But dogs just don’t sit still! Lol….Anyway, here are some pictures from the day…enjoy!