1050-CHUM

Posted on November 17, 2008

It was a sign for the ages, on a building for the ages. It was simple. A red ball on top, and neon letters spelling vertically down, 1050-CHUM. The radio station I grew up listening to. The radio station I grew up working at. Now the sign is gone, a part of Toronto’s history has disappeared. I’ve heard rumours that it will resurface on another building, now that CHUM has been taken over by CTV. I sure hope so. Allan Waters brought rock n’ roll to Canada. CHUM was THE radio station to listen to in the 50’s 60’s and early 70’s. I spent eight glorious years there, from 72 to 80. Jay Nelson, Tom Rivers, Terry Steele, all legends who have left us. It was one of the momentous times of my life. On a cold early winter afternoon, it was sad to walk by the building that will soon make room for condos, to know that a piece of Toronto history is being torn down. A buidling, and a sign that meant so much to so many people, who worked there, and listened to the station. I for one will miss it.

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4Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta

Posted on November 6, 2008

There are times in ones life that stand out, and you know, will never be repeated, unfortunately. I had one of those experiences today in Cold Lake Alberta. I’m here, at the invitation of the Canadian Air Force to be their guest speaker at the annual Mess Dinner. This afternoon, I had the privilege of being a passenger in an F-18 Hornet. In case you’re wondering the f-18 is a fighter jet. The pilot, Colonel Chris Hamilton, took me up for about 35 minutes this afternoon, and it was something I will never forget. The day started with a medical briefing to make sure I was fit to fly. Then a briefing on how to strap yourself into the cockpit. That in itself is an experience. Then, the g-suit fitting and then the “piece de resistance”, the flight itself.
It’s almost impossible to describe… Traveling faster than the speed of sound, performing vertical climbs, barrel rolls… feeling the force of 5 g’s on your body. It was over before it started, and it was something I will never forget. I wish I was still up there. Thank you 4-Wing. Thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Day for inviting me, and thanks to Chris Hamilton, a great pilot and a great Canadian. In fact every single man and woman on this base is to be commended for their service and sacrifice to our country. I feel privileged to be in your company.

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Coaching

Posted on October 22, 2008

Ever notice the best coaches in the NHL are former players who were considered “journeymen”.
Glen Sather was never a superstar, neither was Pat Quinn, Al Arbour, Tony Granato…and the list goes on. Ron Wilson belongs in that club as well. I’m starting to like this guy in Toronto. He knows he has a bad hockey team. He knows it will take years to rebuild the organisation. He knows they won’t make the playoffs this season. Wilson also knows who is in charge of the Leafs, he is. And make no mistake about it, Wilson will make the players play his style, or they simply won’t play. Ask Carlo Colaiacovo and Matt Stajan. There has been a country club atmosphere around the Leafs dressing room for as long as I can remember. The players, until now, have never been accountable. No longer, Wislon will get the best out of his charges, or get fired trying. And he’s a long was from losing his job. He is in charge.

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9/11

Posted on September 11, 2008

I hate this day. It brings back terrible memories. The death, destruction, and a way of life that was lost seven years ago today. For a while, I felt that maybe there may be a silver lining behind the terrorist attack against New York and the Pentagon. It seemed after the attack we were much more considerate of each other. We cared about what happened to each other. Road rage stats went down, thefts were down, robberies rapes and domestic violence statistics dropped.
How naive was I to think it could last. Today we have guys being shot and killed and thrown onto our major highways. Lunatics beheading young people on busses and parents killing their children, or each other. And that’s just here at home. Look what’s happening in iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Yes the world changed on 9/11, but not for the better. We have to take a long hard look at our lives and the way we live, before it’s too late. Or maybe it already is.

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One Weel Later

Posted on September 1, 2008

Hard to believe it’s been a week since I got home from China. I’m still suffering from jet lag. The 13 hour time difference has really taken its toll. But this will pass, as does everything else. I have had plenty of time to think about the games, and can say honestly that it was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I learned so much about a foreign culture. Realised very quickly how lucky we are to live in Canada, and what it would be like to live under a repressive regime like the Chinese, even though they have relaxed their restrictions so much. I look forward to getting back to teaching tomorrow at the College of Sports Media. I already have 16 students well into their second semester, and will have 37 new recruits tomorrow. I get terrific satisfaction from spending time with these young people. They are committed to their task and want very much to succeed in their chosen profession. They are in for such an awakening!!! It’s gonna be a blast.

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It’s Over!!!

Posted on August 23, 2008

For me at any rate… The games have come to an end. I called the Cuba Korea gold medal baseball game tonight, the Koreans pulled off a magnificent double play with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th, for the 3-2 win. What a ride this has been. 12 hour days, calling two games a day, heat, humidity, rain, smog, traffic, people and a load of fun. Working with Warren Sawkiw, Haley Wickenheiser and our producer Doug Howe has been a blast. Pro’s to the end. We laughed, we cried, it was better than cats…
A few observations on the games themselves. Politics aside they were a total success. The “people” here are wonderful! Friendly, courteous, considerate. They bent over backwards to make us feel welcome. Too bad for them they aren’t allowed to think for themselves. They were born into this system, it’s all they know, and big brother is always watching. We, as Canadians are very lucky. I’d love to come back here in a year, to see the real China. I think what we saw here is what the government wanted us to see, Disneyland, for lack of a better description. With $40 billion, you can do a lot to a city to dress it up. I doubt if they will maintain it. I hope for the sake of the people they do, but I seriously doubt it.
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I look forward to Vancouver in 2010. But right now I’m looking forward to getting home, sleeping in my own bed, with my own pillow, and hugging my beautiful wife. So long from Beijing.

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So Many Countries

Posted on August 22, 2008

I mentioned earlier in the games that it’s like the United Nations here at the broadcast centre. Well today, Warren Sawkiw and I were introduced to the rest of the world. We thought we would have the day off, because no one had requested the semi finals of the baseball tournament to be televised. At 9 this morning, just as we were about to disappear for the day, the phone rang. It was our executive producer asking if we would like to call the game for BBC, Australian television and New Zealand. We agreed. They liked us so much, they asked us to all the second game tonight. Turns out, over 110 countries were tuning into the game. Not bad for a couple of kids from Canada. It was great fun, with Korea and Cuba winning to face each other in the gold medal match tomorrow.
Cute story from the restaurant today. We took a break for lunch, and our Chinese waiter “Ringo” asked us what we wanted to drink. Warren asked for green tea and and a diet coke. Ringo looked a little confused and said, “We don’t have any Coke Green Tea” Maybe we were tired, or maybe a little punchy from all the 12 hour days, we looked at each other and died laughing. Ringo was good about it and we made him feel good with the explanation. After all, all you need is love, love….

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An Upset for The Ages

Posted on August 21, 2008

I had the privilege of calling the women’s softball final in Beijing today. Japan against the United States. The Americans had breezed through the preliminary round with a perfect 7-0 record, the Japanese were second at 6-1, so it was a fitting gold medal game. The Americans actually came into the tournament with a 59-1 record over the last year preparing for the games. Not too many people gave the Japanese a chance to win. And after seeing the domination of the Americans since day one, I thought they would breeze and defend their title. The Japanese, playing with joy and vitality had other ideas. They kicked American butts all over the Fengtai Stadium winning 3-1 in what has to be considered the biggest upset of these games. It’s the first international title for Japan since 1970, and the kids went nuts. It was an honour to be there, a privilege to watch history in the making, first hand. It’s what the Olympic games are all about.

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What the……

Posted on August 20, 2008

If it wasn’t for our Olympians, there would be no Canadian Olympic Committee. When you’re half way around the world,a gold medalist, or even a world record holder, it’s nice to know you have someplace to go where you’re appreciated for your accomplishments. Hayley Wickenheiser, Marnie Mcbean, Mark Tewksbury and Clara Hughes are all here representing Canada in various capacities. Some with the media, some with private corporations. But, they are not welcome at Canada House. The house where athletes and their parents can gather and relax. Imagine, if your son or daughter was here competing, and they needed inspiration to be their best. What better way than by rubbing shouders, with some of Canada’s most decorated athletes. But they aren’t allowed in Canada House for a number of reasons. Donovan Bailey can’t get in…What the f…..!!! That is insane. Shame on the COC and their pampered shirts. Shame on COC and your holier than thou attitude. You should be on your knees to these athletes, they are the reason you exist. You couldn’t carry their athletic supporters.

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MAO Would Turn in His Grave!!!

Posted on August 19, 2008

A day off from the Olympic wars, and we took advantage. Visited the Ling Long Pavilion, the site of our CBC anchor desk,That’s where Ron Mclean is located. What a spectacular view. We went to the Olympic Super Store, it was nuts and had lunch at Micky D’s..Yes it’s here in Beijing. Ronald Macdonald, big macs and the whole thing.. The evil west has invaded China. What would Mao say? And if you’re curious, it tastes the same as it does at home. But this place, has to be the busiest Macdonalds in the world. Probably 100 servers, and lineups to the door. It took about 45 minutes to get the food. I know you’re saying why would he eat that crap in China. To be honest, after two weeks of Chinese food and noodles, I needed a change. Now it’s back to lemon chicken ok?
Went downtown to a walking mall here the shops are very exclusive. Armani, St. John, all there. I just sat in the square, had a cold beer and watched the people. Couldn’t afford to buy anything.
Back to work tomorrow, Canada plays Australia in women’s softball, the winner will get a medal, colour to be determined.