Its March! Spring is here! Spring is here!

Its March! Yeah! Spring is just about here! I took these pictures this morning, just to show how close spring is. As you can see, my dog Molly is playing in a small amount of snow. Its a small amount because spring is almost here. Sorry for the sideways shot, I just got new software and I have no idea how to use it.

. and this is another spring-like picture, which I took while standing in the snow. The snow is disappearing rapidly, as only last week, it was waist-deep, and today its just below the waist.

At Least The Dog Will Dance with You!

You know, for my money, you just can't match the entertainment value of a golden retriever dancing to John Travolta and Olivia Newton John's song from the 'Grease' soundtrack, called 'You're the One that I Want'.
Here it is. Enjoy! Now, if we could just get our husbands to dance with us. Heck, never mind. Getting the dog to dance is much easier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM

Mmmm...Fresh Fig with Gorgonzola Mousse. Wait! I Had that LAST Night!

Tickets to the Ottawa Humane Society's fabulous Fur Ball are going fast, so get yours now at www.ottawahumane.ca!! The theme this year is 'Beauty and the Beast', and honorary chair Laureen Harper returns for an evening of music, spectacular auction items, and gastronomic delights by Thyme and Again. Its all happening at the National Gallery on Saturday March 29th. I am honoured to MC this event, with all proceeds to the animals...and now....just in case you were wondering, here is the menu for the evening...

FUR BALL MENU....(drooling is ok, in fact encouraged)

~ Passed Hors d’Oeuvres ~

Smoked Salmon on Dill Scone with Lemon Cream and Golden BeetsPhyllo Cup with Wild and Tame Mushrooms in Brandy CreamCaramelized Onion and Cheddar in Roasted New Potato

~ Dinner ~

Fresh Fig with Gorgonzola Mousse drizzled with Star Anise Infused Port
Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Jumbo Prawn Brochettewith Worcesterchire-Bourbon Jus
Red Beans and RiceGreen Beans and Roasted PeppersAssorted Rolls, Flatbreads and Mini Baguette with Butter

Dessert

Brown Sugar Crème Brulée with a Festive Fruit SalsaOrganic Coffee, Decaf, Tea and Herbal Tea

Everyone has a Double

When there's nothing on TV, even staring out the living room window is not delivering any excitement, here's something fun to do. Go to www.google.com, click on 'images', then type in a name. You will then see photos of people who share your name. Here are other versions of Sandy Sharkey, John Rodenburg, and Matt Hamer.

Sandy Sharkey
Matt Hamer

....and John Rodenburg

So, how are you enjoying 'Kindness Week'? It first occurred to me that it was 'Kindness Week' when I watched two guys get into a brawl at the Rideau Street McDonalds at 7 o'clock last Monday morning, which also happened to be Family Day. These guys were not in the spirit of either occasion. However, 'Kindness Week' has certainly improved since then.

I love the idea of giving someone a 'kindness card' when you see them do something kind...whether its helping someone with their groceries or holding the door open or not sending a big torrent of water their way when you drive through a giant puddle. Ottawa police are handing out 'kindness citations'. Sure beats getting a fine for not coming to a full stop. Thank you to Detective Brenda Kerr for walking right into the BOB FM studio this morning to deliver a citation to JR, who has been a bit of a 'doubting Thomas' with regards to Kindness Day. His face did lighten up when she told him that she had hand-cuffs.

Don't you just love dining out every once in a while? But you're still recovering from all the Christmas bills? Great news! The new 'Cheap Eats Ottawa' book is out! 'Cheap Eats' serves up recommendations on Ottawa area restaurants using this criteria: breakfast must be under $5.00, lunch under $10.00, and dinner under $15.00! To get your copy, go to http://www.cheapeatsottawa.com/. Keep it handy. Just don't bring it with you on a first date.

Ooops, Correction!

Ooops. There's a wee bit of a mistake in the earlier blog entry with regards to the Mike Fisher Hockey Camp taking place in Orleans this July ! All information remains the same, including the all important website www.mikefisherhockeycamp.com. But now, the correction: proceeds to the Mike Fisher Hockey Camp go to: Rogers House, Make-A-Wish Foundation of eastern Ontario, and the Mike Fisher Foundation. There. The editor apologizes for any confusion. Ha. As if this blog has an editor.

Lets Get the 'Magic Critter Bus' on the Road!

For an animal rescue organization, reliable transportation is an absolute necessity! The Westminster Pet Sanctuary got some good news this week, they have found a new rescue bus (a former prisoner transport bus)....now they need to raise $3000 to get it! This bus will help transport animals that are in need of emergency help. It will also be required to bring rescued animals to and from the vet clinic, and to carry food, supplies, etc. For a $50 donation, you will get a 'paw print' in your name, or your pet's name, which will be put on the side of the bus. So far, $150 has been raised, so there's still a way to go! Please consider a 'paw print' , go to www.westminsterpetsanctuary.com. P.s...if you own a business, this would be a wonderful sponsorship opportunity!

Mike Fisher Hockey Camp!

This summer, Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher is offering kids in the Ottawa area an incredible experience they will never forget. You'll want to sign them up right now for the 'Mike Fisher Hockey Camp'! Mike himself is hosting this camp (with appearances by fellow Sens players) from Jul7 21st to August 8th at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex in Orleans. Atom and 'Pee Wee' players will have the time of their lives...and not only that, its all for charity! Proceeds to Rogers House, the Childrens Wish Foundation, and the Mike Fisher Foundation. For more information, www.mikefisherhockeycamp.com. Better hurry, spots are filling up fast!

Busy Day For Mike Fisher

Pictured above: Mike Fisher and Fun-With-Photoshop bride Carol Manson.

And, how self-less!

Carol made me a bride too!

Hey Winnipeg: Size Does Matter

Pictured above: The World Famous Rideau Canal Skateway, Unesco World Heritage Site, Guinness World Record LARGEST Skateway at 7.8 kilometres, enjoyed by over one million skaters each winter. Home of Winterlude Festival, attended by thousands from all over the world, featuring concerts, competitions, races, all against the scenic backdrop of Canada's Capital buildings including historic Parliament Hill and the majestic Chateau Laurier Hotel.

Pictured above: the Winnipeg Skateway, challenging Ottawa for the title of World's 'longest' skateway. Students have been shovelling the Assiniboine River to extend this backyard trail to 8 kilometres. As you can see, its become quite popular.

Nothing like taking a good old-fashioned challenge and making a song out of it. Check out: 'They Wish That They Had Our Skateway':

http://www.939bobfm.com/audio/the-morning-after/ourskatewaysong.mp3

Thanks to Bob FM's own Lou Maiorino for his vocal talents.

Snowed-in Superbowl Sunday!

Its the day millions of people have been waiting for: Superbowl Sunday!!
Here in Ottawa, you had to get up extra early today to dig the car out. Nothing can stop the run to the store for Superbowl supplies: chips, dip, Doritos, pizza, chicken wings. And of course you'll need a vegetable platter. It costs $15.00, a nice assortment of raw carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, celery, cauliflower. And its always the one thing that's pretty much left untouched at the end of the night.

The viewership for the Superbowl is something like 90 million or a billion, so the commercials are huge and for many (me included) its the thing I enjoy most about the broadcast. If you don't get the American network broadcast and you miss the excellent commercials (not that there's anything wrong with commercials for 'Corner Gas' or 'Canadian Idol')..you can click here 'after the game', and the Superbowl spots are yours to enjoy on-line.

http://sports.aol.com/nfl/superbowlads

You can also get some laughs from the best Superbowl ads of 2007, youtube has put together the top ten from last year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACZgJAlPP-4

Hey! That Cat Has Horns!

This photo was sent to me this morning (taken by Art Carr of Douglas NB) and I think it's fantastic. I think this picture tells quite a sweet story. Plus, it makes you glad that you're not the only one who doesn't put your patio furniture away before winter.

Now What?

I have 2 squirrels that have found a secret entrance to my laundry room. This is one of them. I don't stand a chance.

Oscar scripts! Hot off the Press! Get Your Oscar Scripts Right Here!

The Oscar nominations have been announced. Every year I try to see as many Oscar-nominated movies as I can before the Academy Awards, but it doesn't always work out. The best picture nominees are: 'Atonement' (my personal favourite), 'No Country for Old Men', 'Juno', 'There Will be Blood', and 'Michael Clayton'.

With all the buzz about movies, awards, whether or not there will actually BE an Academy Awards this year, I was involved in a bit of a debate yesterday. A friend of mine always reads 'the book' before she 'sees the movie'. She goes to the theatre knowing 'exactly' what the movie is about and how its going to end, because she read the book. I don't agree with this, mostly because I love surprises. But here's a whole new angle: how about reading 'the script'?! I came across a website that allows you to 'download' big huge honkin' Hollywood movies. Here's the link: http://www.simplyscripts.com/

Its quite up to date, in fact you can download and print out the complete script for 'Atonement', 'Juno', 'No Country for Old Men', and many other movies! But make sure you have lots of printer ink, because your printer will be spewing out around 100 pages. Its better to do this at work. Just kidding. So print out the entire script for 'Atonement', then bring the script with you to the movie theatre and read aloud to each scene.

Winterlude is just a little over a week away, and the festival is being kicked off with STEW! Mmmmmm...... nothing beats a big bowl of hearty stew when its -minus 20 degrees outside. Next Friday, February 1st, come on out to the Byward Market at lunch-time. Market restaurants will be participating in the 'Stew Cook-Off'. Its a fun competition with some pretty amazing stew concoctions, and the best part is that you can try 'em all. And what the heck, after you've eaten some stew, grab a Beavertail. Its the Winterlude in Ottawa thing to do!

Ottawa's most 'purrfect' evening returns! Saturday March 29th, its the Humane Society Fur Ball at the National Gallery of Canada. This has become quite an 'A-List' event, but despite that, organizers still let me attend. It always sells out, so get your tickets now at www.ottawahumane.ca

Its Robbie Burns Day this Friday! A tribute to Scotland's greatest poet. How this became a day for eating oatmeal stuffed into a sheep's stomach, I'll never know. Haggis. Yuck! I won't even try it with ketchup.

Sandy Eats Deer Food! JR Eats a Dog Cookie! On the next 'Morning After'!!

JR: hey, who needs a bag of deer food? The deer thats been hanging around my backyard has moved on, and I'm stuck with a 50 pound bag of deer chow.
Sandy: Deer food looks tasty. Like granola.
JR: Ok, do you want the bag of deer food for yourself?
Sandy: I'm just saying, I wouldn't have anything against eating it. Would you have anything against eating a dog cookie?
JR: I'm not eating a dog cookie. I'll never eat a dog cookie.
Sandy: I'll eat deer food if you eat a dog cookie.
JR: Is that a challenge?
Sandy: Yes.
And so ended the show, with a promise of sheer entertainment on the next morning show.
Thank you to James the 'Photoshop King of Ottawa' for the above image.

The Official Mike Fisher Fan Club is Here!!

THE OFFICIAL MIKE FISHER FAN CLUB is finally here! If you already have a Mike Fisher / Coca Cola cardboard cut-out, you know how much fun THAT is! And if you DON'T have one, winning your own stand-up Mike is just ONE of the perks of being in the fan club! For example, above is a photo of Mike in a beautiful fall setting.

Sign up today - right here - on the home page of this website! You'll get an official Mike Fisher Fan Club certificate, suitable for framing (example above) plus, you could win Sens tickets, cool stuff like Mike Fisher cheer cards, AND ....you'll even have the opportunity to TALK TO MIKE! Yes, thats right...get those questions ready! Mike will appear periodically on 'the Morning After', to take questions from fan club members! You can find out his favourite music, his favourite food, the size of his skates, stuff like that. And here's the 'piece de resistance': ONE official Mike Fisher fan club member will be awarded the title of Fan Club Vice President - which means a BUSINESS TRIP! You and a guest will join me and 200 super-charged Sens fans for 4 beautiful days in Barbados, with stops at Berts Bar - hosted by Sens owner Eugene Melnyk. We will, of course, talk non-stop about Mike Fisher while we're lying in the sun, swimming, watching the Sens on the big screen, all those things. Enter today!!

Hmmm....looks like the movie 'Atonement' won the Golden Globe for best picture. All is right with the world. James McAvoy. Best actor. Ever.

Winterlude is just a couple of weeks away, and no sign yet of the canal being open for skating. For ice conditions, check 'the official website of the Rideau Canal skateway', click here http://www.capcan.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16299-10080-10081&lang=1

Uh oh, the red flags are up. Red flags, no skating. Green flags, get out and give 'er! If it doesn't get really cold soon, we may be eating beavertails on the side of the road.

Not for the 'faint of heart'...someone came up with this list: the 16 ugliest men in rock and roll. Here's the link: http://thewvsr.com/ugliest.htm. Most of them, great musicians, but not strong in the 'looks department'.

However, I take issue with one in particular: Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. A have quite a few girlfriends who think he's rather 'dreamy'. Maybe its the mouth, I don't know. Missing from the list: Geddy Lee from Rush.

Lost Puppy!

Have you seen this puppy? Her name is Cinder, and she has gone missing. Cinder disappeared behind the Merivale Mall area on January 8th 2008, and her owners have been searching everywhere, including the Humane Society, but no luck. There is a $100 reward for her return. If you have any information, please contact Keisha Pelletier at 613-421-9673. p.s. this photo of Cinder was taken when she was 7 weeks old, and she is now 4 months... so she's a bit bigger! Let's keep our fingers crossed for Cinder's safe return.

A Picture of Mike Fisher in a Kilt

If you ever wondered what Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher would look like in a kilt, here it is. Courtesy of Michael Cox of the 'Scottish and Irish Store' in Bells Corners. Doesn't he look smashing?

Happy 2008 !!!

It’s a whole new year, which has begun for me exactly the same way every year begins. Writing the wrong year on cheque after cheque, crossing out the wrong year, writing in the right year, then initialing it. Some things never change. Why do we need to initial things, anyway? The cashier at the grocery store always asks me to initial my receipt when I get cash back, so of course I do, then she gives me the receipt which I just initialed, and I put it in my purse and walk away. Do my own initials on the receipt just serve as a reminder to me, in case I’m wondering, ‘hey! Where did I get this 40 dollars from’? Why do I suddenly have 40 dollars? Oh, phew, those are my initials on a grocery receipt. I signed that myself so now I why I have 40 dollars.

Some people go to the bank machine and take out a couple hundred dollars for their spending money, which may last a few days at a time, maybe even a week or two. If I take two hundred dollars out of the bank, it will last me exactly the amount of time it takes to walk by a store window. Doesn’t matter what it is, if it costs $200 and its in a store window, and I have $200 in my purse, I will buy it. That’s why I usually only take $20.00 out of the bank. Twenty dollars in my wallet will last much longer than $200. Because I never see anything I want for 20.00. But if it costs $200.00, I am definitely buying.

It took almost a year, but I finally saw the movie ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. What a great movie! It had hints of ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’, but it was smarter and had much better acting. Although I don’t think Christie Brinkley was cast in ‘Vacation’ because of her acting ability. If you get a chance to see ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, don’t miss it. It’s a feel-good movie with an ‘edge’, and a very cool message too.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/ New Year holiday. While on vacation, I spent a lot of time trying to move a squirrel. He moved into my laundry room. One day the squirrel ran past me while I was folding clothes on top of the dryer. If you can call it running, I’m not sure that’s the proper term for a squirrel scurrying past with his four paws clinging carefully, belly pressed firmly against the wall, the whole time spewing squirrel swear words at me. I’m not sure why he was so angry with me, considering that I’d given him a roof over his head and fairly easy access to a big plastic tub filled with sunflower seeds for my birdfeeder. My husband set up a humane live trap, filled it with sunflower seeds, and within a couple of hours the squirrel was in the trap! I let him out the back door and watched him scurry away. Within about five minutes he was back in the laundry room. We set the trap again. A few hours later I went to the laundry room and checked on the trap. This time, there was one squirrel IN the trap, and one squirrel OUTSIDE the trap busily trying to open the latch to help free the captured squirrel. The trap went outside again, and everyone ran free. I like the fact that my squirrels get some fresh air every once in a while. As I write this, they are both back in the laundry room, doing whatever squirrels do in a laundry room. I have stopped short of setting up a tv for them.

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."

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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.