Polo in the Ottawa area!! Don't miss it!

I recently received an on-line notice from Harry Nowell, a professional photographer and teacher who I had the pleasure of working with in the past. Harry not only taught me about apertures and exposures, he also attempted to fix my tripod which I had broken in three places, but thats another story. Harry was inviting photographers to his 'Polo Workshop'. (here's the link: http://www.harrynowell.com/workshops/workshops_event.htm )

Lo and behold, I discovered that not only is there a Polo club in the Ottawa area, 'The Augusta Polo Club', (1 hour south of Ottawa), but they were having a HUGE event on Sunday August 30th called the 'Peanut Polo Cup'! A beautiful drive south to North Augusta will take you to heart-throbbing fast paced polo action, with proceeds to ELEVEN animal rescue charities! I had the pleasure of attending a 'media preview' of a polo match this past Sunday, and it was fantastic. Take the whole family, have some fun, and help out some very worthy animal causes.

http://www.peanutpolocup.com/. p.s. listen to the 'Morning After' all next week for your chance to win VIP seating!

Squirrel Crasher!

And this is how it all started!!

The couple in this photo, Melissa and Jackson Brandts of Minnesota, were visiting Banff National Park and decided to set their camera up on a rock. They set the camera's timer, got into position with the beautiful lake and mountains in the background, and then.....it happened. A rather inquisitive ground squirrel popped up to check out the 'buzzing' sound that the camera timer was making, and...'click', he became the main subject of the photo. This photo was chosen 'photo of the month' by nationalgeographic.com ....but the best part? It has gone viral on the internet all over the world, with people photo-shopping 'Squirrel Crasher' into every scene imaginable. You can check these hysterical photos out at http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/photo-crasher

Crasher Squirrel Contines to Crash Things

Please sponsor us for the Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Walkathon

Hudson (adopted from Humane Society 12 years ago)

Molly (adopted from Humane Society 11 years ago)

Kitty (stray, now sleeps on our bed)

the Humane Society Wiggle Waggle Walkathon is coming up on Sunday, September 13th at the Experimental Farm Arboretum! Full details at http://www.ottawahumane.ca/home/index.cfm

Join honorary chair Ottawa Police Chief Vern White, myself and 'A' Channel's Kurt Stoodley for a fun-filled day of dogs, dogs and more dogs! Games, prizes, food, stuff for sale, its all here! Last year almost 1000 dogs joined the walk for the shelter. If you are unable to attend, it would be amazing if you could sponsor me and my 3 animals (Kitty won't be coming for obvious reasons, did I mention '1000' dogs?). Here's the link to my fundraising page: http://www.ohsre.ca/Page.aspx?pid=393&frsid=1264

All proceeds to the Ottawa Humane Society!

****** IF YOU ARE PUTTING A TEAM TOGETHER FOR THE 'WIGGLE WAGGLE TEAM CHALLENGE', PLEASE LET ME KNOW, EMAIL ME AT mornings@939bobfm.com

WE WILL DEFINITELY GET THE WORD OUT FOR YOU, AND TRY TO STIR UP AS MUCH FRIENDLY COMPETITION AS WE CAN!!

Another Great Youtube Moment

Thanks to one of our awesome listeners, Cameron Ritchie, for sending along this priceless Youtube video.
Its called 'JK Wedding Dance'. Its hysterical. For anyone who has a wedding coming up, some inspiration for you....
Click on link and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=fvw

Blue Rubbermaid Container Overload

(pictured above) 'HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER HOLIDAYS'

This is the final day of my holidays (unless you don't count Sunday as a holiday, in which case my final day of holidays was on Friday). Anyway, I am very much looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow. Not just because I love my job, but because there are no blue Rubbermaid containers at work. I am currently living in a sea of blue Rubbermaid containers. My husband and I are moving to a new house in Manotick. The moving date is not til the first week of September, but I thought that I would take some time on my holidays to start packing. Rather than accost Costco or the LCBO for cardboard boxes, I thought I would buy some blue Rubbermaid containers and start packing. The plan was to pack everything that Rob and I don't really need , as the moving date is still a month away. I have now purchased and filled 23 Rubbermaid containers. The scary part is, that's 23 containers worth of stuff that we don't need. A carefully wrapped concrete turtle. A glass wine decanter from an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant in New Orleans. A detailed map of Mexico. Two nerf footballs. We can't seem to part with any of it. And I haven't even come close to packing things we actually DO need. I figure by the time I'm finished, I will own over 100 blue Rubbermaid containers. Which, ironically, I will no longer need. Can't wait to get back to work.

ODE TO THE SUN

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE ON THIS PAGE, PUT ON YOUR SUNGLASSES. IF YOU CAN FIND THEM, ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU'VE NEEDED THEM. BUT PLEASE PUT THEM ON FOR SAFETY'S SAKE, AS THE ABOVE IMAGE IS, IN FACT, THE SUN.

IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE SUN, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. ONCE UPON A TIME THIS SOURCE OF HEAT AND LIGHT WOULD SHINE ON AN OTTAWA SUMMER, WHICH IN TURN ENCOURAGED US TO GO ON OUR BIKES, SIT ON BENCHES, AND LIE ON A TOWEL ON THE SAND.

YOUNG CHILDREN MAY BE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE SUN AND IT'S RUMOURED VISITS TO THE OTTAWA AREA. THE DINNER TABLE IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR PARENTS TO EXPLAIN THE PHENOMENON OF THE SUN TO THEIR CHILDREN. YOUNGSTERS WILL DELIGHT IN THE STORIES ABOUT HOW THE SUN WOULD REGULARLY SHINE OVERHEAD. IT WAS MOSTLY FRIENDLY, KEEPING US WARM AND DRY. SOMETIMES, IT WOULD MELT OUR ICE CREAM CONES, BUT WE JUST LEARNED TO EAT THEM FASTER.

THE ABOVE IMAGE OF THE SUN MAY BE ENLARGED. CUT IT OUT AND PLACE IT ON A SKYLIGHT, ON THE INSIDE CEILING OF YOUR CAR, AND ON THE WINDOWS OF YOUR WORKPLACE. LET US NEVER FORGET THOSE WONDERFUL YEARS WE HAD TOGETHER.

I THINK ITS AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO QUOTE THAT FAMOUS EARLY 70'S POSTER WITH THE DOVE FLYING IN THE AIR:

"IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING, SET IT FREE. IF IT COMES BACK, ITS YOURS. IF IT DOESN'T, IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE'

WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE IF THE SUN WAS EVER OURS. IN THE MEANTIME, WE'LL LEAVE THE PATIO TABLE, THE PLASTIC CHAIRS, AND THE BADMINTON NET RIGHT WHERE IT IS. BECAUSE WE ARE OTTAWANS. AND WE BELIEVE IN A FUTURE THAT SEES THE RETURN OF THE SUN. WE JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE.

Bluesfest in Ottawa: BEST FESTIVAL EVER!!!

Good2Go rocks the Hard Rock stage (below) Mallory Giles from Politique

Ken Workman and the Union on the Black

Sheep stage (below)

As I write this, I am getting ready to head out for the final day of Bluesfest. I would have been at Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest for each of the 12 days and nights, but I made a quick side-trip to Halifax last weekend to see Paul McCartney. ( Quite possibly one of the only concerts that could sway me from my beloved Bluesfest). So, despite my 3 day sojourn to see a Beatle, I all but set up camp at Bluesfest, and the smile never left my face. From stage to stage we bopped, me and my music-crazed husband Rob, catching some of the finest live acts out there today. This year, the theme for Bluesfest was 'Summer Vacation', and I met so many people on the grounds of LeBreton Flats who took the advice. My non-scientific poll concluded that a large percentage of Bluesfest-goers did not go to work this week. They booked it off months ago, when the full schedule came out. Music lovers of all age groups: youngsters, teens, 20-somethings, thousands in their 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's. Toddlers with faces painted, rarin' and ready to see Kiss. Older generations with beer in hand taking in Jeff Beck, Spencer Davis and the Yardbirds. Rockin' out to the Stone Temple Pilots and spending a magical evening in Ottawa's biggest backyard to sing along with Blue Rodeo and their impeccable harmonies. Bluesfest is also about broadening musical horizons, catching acts that ring no bells when you read their names on the schedule, but enjoying every moment on the smaller stages; the Black Sheep Stage, the Hard Rock stage, host to blistering blues and gospel and reggae. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Oumou Sangare, Toots & the Maytals, just to name a few. And for locals bands, there is no better gig than Bluesfest. Here, they get the stage, the lighting, the video screens, the same respect as the 'big name acts' and rightfully so. Bands like Good2Go, MonkeyJunk, Politique, Ken Workman and the Union, these were performances that signalled great things ahead. The opportunity to play for rabid music loving crowds will never be under-estimated. Last night, while jockeying for position at the Drive By Truckers show, I ran into an old acquaintance of mine named Rick. I first met Rick in 1985, he had sold me a pair of tickets for a Bruce Springsteen 'Born in the USA' concert in Syracuse. We talked about the hundreds of concerts we have seen over the years, the miles we have travelled, the money we have spent, all to feed our passion for live music. I asked him if he was enjoying Bluesfest this year. He said, 'Its the best thing about Ottawa'. I couldn't agree more. To the brain-child behind Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Mark Monahan, thank you for another spectacular festival. Kudos to the Black Sheep's Paul Symes, AJ Sauve, Joe Reilly, and the countless volunteers who make it happen. Only 360-something days until next Bluesfest.......

Animalfest for Big Sky

The Big Sky Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville is a truly magical place created by Andy Parent to be a safe haven for animals of all shapes and sizes, furry, feathered, tiny souls to big loveable beasts. They all come to this place with a story, most of them unwanted, no where else to go. For years Big Sky has continued to provide these animals with dignity and respect and a loving home to live out their years, thanks to the generosity of animal lovers everywhere. Big Sky founder Andy Parent is battling cancer. But each day at the Big Sky Animal Sanctuary the sun comes up, and Andy makes his rounds, making sure all the creatures big and small are taken care of. We need to help him out now more than ever. This weekend is the 5th 'Animalfest' for Big Sky, a wonderful fundraiser thats filled with fun and animals, non-stop live bands, prizes, BBQ, all kinds of surprises. Bring the whole family out. Its only $5.00 admission, all proceeds to the dogs, cats, horses, sheep, goats, all the animals at Big Sky. This year Animalfest will be located next to the Canadian Tire in Kemptville. For details go to www.bigskyranch.ca . p.s. thanks to Steve Gregory and his wife Diane (along with countless volunteerss) for making this happen

JR and Sandy's 'Summer On' Show

This past Friday 'the Morning After' on BOB FM took the show on the road to really kick-start summer! JR and Sandy's 'Summer On' show featured the Maria Hawkins band live on stage at World Exchange Amphitheatre at the corner of Albert and Metcalfe. Its not everyday that people about to enter their respective office buildings get to check out a few minutes of a live band before 8:30 in the morning. I think all workdays should start with a live band. Thanks to everyone who worked on this show! Maria Hawkins, Paula Partner from World Exchange, Wall Sound & Lighting, Brad Weaver for keeping JR and I on the air!

Check out Maria performing 'I Can See Clearly Now' from Friday's show on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DfhkMWX9ok

(above) the Maria Hawkins Band- so much energy so early in the morning!

(above) JR and Debra Great times! Summer has begun!

Kanata Centrum Plaza: Where Talent Gets Noticed!

It was a ton of fun participating in the Youth Singing Contest, which was held yesterday at the Kanata Centrum Plaza on the pedestrian mall. I had the pleasure of being one of the judges, along with Don (singer extraordinaire, you've probably seen him performing atop the bar at Marshys) and Tracy (music teacher extraordinaire). I was the only one whose qualifications to be a judge were somewhat questionable. Thanks to Sheila of the Kanata Centrum Plaza for setting up quite a show, and Erin and hubby Colin did a wonderful job producing the event. Hats off to the stars of the show: the kids with the amazing voices!
pictured above: the singers pose for one big group shot

(above) this is Madison McSweeney, who played an awesome version of Alice Cooper's 'School's Out'. No doubt every kid's favourite song at this time of year....just a few more days......

Sophia Pantuso (on the left) : Winner of the senior competition, along with the junior winner, Lindsay White! Congratulations!!!

Sheila, Colin and Erin wind down after the competition at O'Connors Irish Pub!

Vik Sahay is one of ours!

(pictured above: Vik Sahay and Zach Levi of 'Chuck')

Chuck is one of the best shows on TV!!! Thank goodness its coming back for another season, which will start next March. Chuck is smart, funny, well written and well acted...I've been a huge fan since the debut episode, so it was quite a bonus to discover this little tid-bit of information only recently: Vik Sahay is from Ottawa! Yep! The hysterical Vik Sahay, who plays 'Lester' from the Buy More, was born and raised right here and attended Canterbury High School! So...if anyone knows Vik, went to school with Vik, or happens to know if he's hanging around Ottawa for any reason this summer, let me know. We'd love to have him as guest on BOB and I would promise not to gush too much......

It Might Get Loud!

Read this line out loud in a really deep movie trailer voice: If you only see one movie about guitars this summer, make it this one: 'It Might Get Loud'. Forget about all the other movies that may come out about guitars. This is the only one you need.

This documentary was produced and directed by David Guggenheim, the director of 'An Inconvenient Truth'. But the big story here is the stars of the show, pictured above: Jack White, Jimmy Page, and the Edge. The film brings these virtuosos together to discuss one thing and one thing only: the electric guitar. Candid discussions, studio out-takes, concert footage, all in the name of guitar worship from the point of view of 3 rock legends from three different generations. The people behind 'It Might Get Loud' offer this promise: watching the film won't affect how you play guitar, but it will affect how you listen. For any guitar player out there, this is a must-see. But you have to wait til opening day, August 14th. In the mean-time, change your strings. And comb the bottom of the washing machine for lost guitar picks.

Here's a link to the website and the trailer:

www.itmightgetloud.com

Swans on the Rideau!

pictured above: Hannah and Tommy Sachs, this year's official 'Swanskeepers'!

As a kid growing up just a five minute bike ride from the Rideau River, a big part of my summer was spent hanging out watching the Royal swans (and feeding them stale bread crusts, which in hindsight was probably not a good idea). So it was such a fantastic experience this morning, to witness my first time ever 'Release of the Royal Swans into the Rideau', where they will spend the summer. On hand were Michelle Sachs and her kids Hannah and Tommy, who were the official 'releasers' of the swans today. (Michelle was the top bidder for this experience back in March at the Humane Society Fur Ball) We were also joined by Humane Society executive director Bruce Roney, Councillor Diane Deans (who was instrumental in saving the Royal Swan program - huge kudos to Diane!!) The City of Ottawa's mistress to the swans Christine Hartig was on hand, as well as Brent and Ray to help out. The swans were released in pairs in three areas of the Rideau River. The final release featured a male and a female who were not a 'couple'....yet. They were 'neighbours' in their winter pen, and had yet to really meet face-to-face, or 'beak-to-beak'. So when they were released simulataneously from their crates this morning, it was an incredible moment to see them pose together so beautifully, forming a 'heart' with their graceful necks, and swimming off to find some Rideau River romance. Christine was especially thrilled, now considering herself the 'Swan Match-maker'. Could a reality show be far behind?


Better prepare to get wet

Swans awaiting their summer vacation on the river!

Official 'swanskeepers' Hannah and Tommy Sachs, and mom Michelle


Brent helps Michelle and Tommy release a pair of swans

So beautiful!

And they come in 'black' too!

Another swan dives in

A romance begins!

I like your style

City of Ottawa's Christine Hartig, Tommy and Hannah

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