Daffodils

The Canadian Cancer Society is selling daffodils right now to help fund important cancer research. They will be at workplaces, malls, etc, with bunches of beautiful blooms. Buy some. Support an important cause, and fill your home with the closest thing we've seen to spring so far this year. Now, if only the Cancer Society was selling snow shovels too......

Bloodlines and Chipmunks

The New England Historic Genealogical Society has determined that Hilary Clinton and Angelina Jolie are related. They are ninth cousins, twice removed.
Hilary is also related to Madonna, Celine Dion, and Alanis Morrissette.
Meanwhile, according to the same historians, Brad Pitt is a distant cousin of Barack Obama.

Here's the link to the full story: http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=ce12227a-8a7d-431f-b4c0-b00ecd598cba


And now ..... I have become an expert on 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'

Pictured here: one of the chipmunks, not sure which.

Just returned from a week in Zihuatanejo, Mexico where the sun never stopped shining, the temperature never dipped below 30 degrees, and the average price for a cold beer at a local establishment was $1.00.

It took us almost exactly 24 hours to get home from Mexico (Ixtapa airport to Ottawa) because our connector flight was delayed, due to 'technical problems' on the plane. Once I was finally on the plane that had the 'technical problems', I really hoped that the issue was something to do with the in-flight movie, or the coffee maker.

Speaking of the in-flight movie, on the way to Mexico we were treated to 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'. Once I got past the fact that its a Christmas movie playing on a plane in March, I was part of a captive audience that watched those chipmunks and their crazy antics.

Then, on the flight back from Mexico, the airline treated us once again to 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'. And I watched it again. I have now officially seen Alvin and the Chipmunks more than 'Citizen Kane' and 'The Godfather'. Its the best movie about chipmunks that I've ever seen. But it really made me homesick for the squirrels living in my basement.

The Big Juicy Drinking Game

This is a photo of Ritch Fullerton and his neighbour Don, the day after Big Juicy dumped over 50 cm on the Ottawa area. I think they're handling the snow quite nicely.

Big Juicy Lives Up to His Name!!!

Pictured here...toughing out 'Big Juicy'..the Hamer family (and friends)..
Nice to see that 17-month old Carter got a bit of a break from snow shovelling...

The powerful snow-storm dubbed 'Big Juicy' did not disappoint! According to Chris St Clair from the Weather Network, who was on my tv this morning, Ottawa received a whopping 50 cm of snow yesterday!!

Math has never been my strong suit, but I think we are now just about 40 cm short of the all time record for SNOWIEST WINTER IN OTTAWA!! 1970 - '71 still leads with 444 cm.

2007-2008 to date: 405 cm

C'mon, Old Man Winter!!! Is that the best you can do!!!! We want that record!!

p.s., please sign the petition that we will send to both Old Man Winter and Mother Nature. www.petitiononline.com/bobfm

also, you can print out your own '2007-2008 Winter Survival Certificate' (suitable for framing of course) right on this website, http://www.939bobfm.com/

the link is right on the main website page. Hope you haven't run out of places to put the snow!

Springsteen Fan Gets a Great Moment

If anyone deserves to meet Bruce Springsteen, its my friend Jonathon Harris. Jonathon has seen 'the Boss' around 200 times (he's lost count),
probably on every continent. Last Sunday night, March 2nd, in Montreal, Jonathon met the man himself just before show-time. Here he is, on the left, with Bruce signing a book called 'For You', a collection of fan stories and poems by Lawrence Kirsch, also pictured here. Way to go, Jonathon! Actually, I think it should be a rule: once you see an artist 200 times, you automatically get to meet them.

And now..the Heroes of the Day!!

Its time to say 'Thank You' to 2 wonderful people in our community who have done some amazing things:
Maggie Furmanczyk, who works at the Riverside campus of the Ottawa Hospital. What did Maggie do? Well, when she heard about the Westminster Pet Sanctuary's need to raise $3000 for an animal rescue van, Maggie took action! She is an artist, and offered to paint portraits for hospital co-workers, with all proceeds to the 'Majic Critter Bus' campaign. Maggie raised $950! YAY!!! Way to go Maggie! If you would like to contribute, go to www.westminsterpetsanctuary.com

And congratulations go to Grace Papenburg, an 11 year old student at 'Reine-des-bois' School in Orleans. Grace loves animals very much, and gave a presentation to her class. She is not afraid to stand up for animals who need our help, and that makes her a true hero in my books. Grace also encouraged her class-mates to sign the petition at www.helpbabywildlife.ca , a very important initiative which encourages people to share this world with wildlife, in an atmosphere of respect rather than conflict. Way to go, Grace!!!

B-R-U-C-E!!!!!!!

Bruce Springsteen and Roy Bittan, Sunday March 2nd at Bell Centre in Montreal

The band!!!!

Got some last minute tickets and headed down the 417 for the Bruce Springsteen show in Montreal on Sunday night. It was an amazing show! Springsteen 'vintage' fans were treated to 'Jungleland' and 'Because the Night'. The new material from Bruce's 'Majic' CD is really starting to take a life of its own in concert, from'Radio Nowhere' to 'Gypsy Biker'... Kudos to the fans in Montreal, who had tons of energy all night long. One special moment among many: Bruce handing his harmonica to a tiny little girl in the crowd who was perched on her Dad's shoulders. Now that's something she'll never forget. It was a great night, and I think it took us less time to get home from Montreal than it takes Orleans residents to get home from Scotiabank Place after a Sens game.

Mike Fisher Fans!!! Its the Party of the Year!!

The countdown is on! If you haven't signed up for the BOB FM official Mike Fisher Fan Club, do it now on this website! Weekday mornings March 3rd to 11th, one lucky fan club member will be chosen to join us on 'the Morning After', AND be the proud owner of a life-size Mike Fisher cardboard cut-out courtesy of Coke Zero! On Wednesday March 12th, we will draw from the seven qualifiers, and THAT lucky person will officially be named 'Vice President of the Mike Fisher Fan Club'! First job: joining the Sens army in Barbados! Transportation by Zoom Airlines, accomodation at the Accra Beach Resort and a couple of wild nights watching the Sens on the big screen at Berts Bar, with Sens owner Eugene Melnyk! Mike Fisher fans: all this can be yours!

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.