before the big dance

This will be short. I’m tired, my fingers are half frozen half tired and well, WWE Monday Night Raw starts in 20. 

This will most likely be the last entry for we get to the big dance tomorrow night. Before we bring in 2014. Two-Thousand and Fourteen. Can you believe it? 

I’m going to knock out the person who says `See you next year’ in a sarcastic, whimsical way, thinking they’re the one who came up with the one liner, attempting to channel their inner George Burns - While George is actually rolling over on his smokes, somewhere.

Be original. George would have a chuckle at that. 

I’m full. In an attempt to get rid of some of the frozen food that has been in my freezer for a while, I made Chicken Parm spiked with veggies and lemon. You know those dishes that you originally think would be okay, but end up being delish and end up eating the whole creation? This was one of those plates. 

Ok, I’m done. Done for the year. See ya at the Big Dance. It’ll be a good one, Kids. 

Be safe tomorrow.

an open letter to mr. mandela

Dear Mr. Mandela. 

I hate the term Mister. I tend to call people by their first name. I hate hierarchy.

I’m more on that individuality tip.

….But, I’ll call you  Mister.

When I was 10 years old, Sundays were devoted to pretending to be in the WWE and watching my favourite Sunday morning TV Show, Switchback.  

There was this one day - February 11th. 1988.

Switchback was cancelled due to breaking news.

You got out of jail.

I starred at the television wondering why you were more important than  my constant. 

Why did you matter more than Switchback?

Slowly, I was loosing my innocence of what the world was like. I started to ask questions. I started to question race, and that word. 

Hierarchy. 

.Because of you, I got into learning about the life and times of Martin Luther King, and Malcolm X, and Maya Angelow.

And even JFK.

 I wanted to know more about the civil rights movement. Black History. Politics.

I wanted to know more about the World. 

My eyes opened. 

Meanwhile, my cousin was introducing me to Hip Hop.. Not the regular top 40 stuff that was being played on CFTR, but the conscience stuff.

Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions. NWA.

They were rapping about whatt I was reading and what I was feeling. And thinking. 

Martin, Malcolm, Maya, Kennedy, Chuck D, KRS. They taught me about race. And equality And freedom. Exactly what you were fighting for.

Today, I have a poster of Malcolm X that hangs on my wall. Every morning, I look at it, and funny enough, when I look at it, I don’t think about Malcolm. I think of you. Because it was you who made me know Malcolm. 

 To put it simply, You changed my life.

Martin, Mlalcolm are life time heroes who i pattern my life after. Hip Hop has helped shape me into the man I am today.

And it was all because of You.

This letter is to say Thank You, Mr. Mandela. 

I don’t use that word Mister very often, but in this case, I think it’s fitting.

You so deserve more than a Mister tittle. 

Hero?

Inspiration?

God?

Something else rather then just measly Mister..

 Be it as it may,

Thanks. 

You did good. Now, it’s time to sleep.

Rest well.

billie joins the edge

As predicted a few months back, Billie Holiday has replaced Todd Shapiro on the Edge morning show. The former teeny pop jock who teamed up with Madd Dogg to front moring shows on CHFI and Kiss 92.5, officially joined the team this week. She thanked the listeners via Twitter,  this morning  by tweeting, "Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome ! I am thrilled to be the new cohost and look forward to many mornings with you! xoxo"

Meanwhile, Sharpiro appeared on the Humble and Fred Show yesterday. You can listen to it here. 

wintertime love in november

Not much going on. Just another week in the trenches. It's snowing here. Why is everyone surprise? Thought I'd throw you a bone just to say What Up. Here's an oldie from Jim and the boys. Wintertime Love in November.

 

rest well, "iron" mike bensson

Sad news coming out of St. Catherines today with the news that legendary HTZ-FM rocker,  Mike Bensson has passed away from Cancer. HTZ is currently running an all day tribute to their friend.  Cancer sucks.

Iron Mike Bensson was 60.

#nowlisteningto: feel good - the internet

i want two books for christmas

Just in case you’re getting your list ready on what to get your Tumblr pals, I want two books for Christmas. The first is the new Neil Young book, Waging Heavy Peace and Morrissey’s “Autobiography”. 

Here’s an early review of the book. 

Go get it.

starting from scratch joins 99.9 virgin radio toronto

The award winning cornerstone in the local Hip Hop scene has jumped ship to Virgin 99.9. Most recently with Virgin's sister station, Flow 93.5,  DJ Starting from Scratch begins his run with the CHR station tonight at 5pm.

"Music is my life and Toronto is my home - this is hte perfect oppertunity for me to continue connecting with poeple who love music as much as I do", Scratch stated in the official presser. "Virgin Radio has mde me feel at home, and I'm energized to get back on the air and connect with my fans."

To read the full press release Go Here.

newcap broadcasting buys boom, flow.

 Bell announced today an agreement with Newfoundland Capital Corporation where it'll  see Newcap take over five radio stations in Vancouver and Toronto, including locally, Boom 97.3 and Flow 93.5.  

We haven't heard anything of any potential format flips, but it's thought that they might want to flip Boom to Up! - A contemporary hit music format Newcap has in Fredricton - which is similar to Boom's current playlist.

Here's the official company mumbo-jumbo. 

DARTMOUTH, NS, Aug. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Newfoundland Capital Corporation ("NCC" or the "Company") (TSX: NCC.A, NCC.B) and Bell Media (TSX, NYSE: BCE), are pleased to announce that NCC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Newcap Inc. ("Newcap"), has entered into an agreement to acquire from Bell Media Inc. the radio broadcasting licences CHBM-FM (Boom 97.3) and CFXJ-FM (93.5 Flow) in Toronto, Ontario and CKZZ-FM (Virgin Radio 95.3), CHHR-FM (Shore 104.3 FM), and CISL-AM (AM 650) in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a price of $112 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The transaction is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ("CRTC") and the Competition Bureau.

President and Chief Executive Officer Rob Steele comments: "The acquisition of these stations in Canada's two largest radio markets is a rare opportunity and is a transformational move for Newcap. This provides an excellent opportunity for us going forward - greatly expanding our listener base and increasing the size of our business. We specialize exclusively in radio and all of our focus and expertise is dedicated to creating successful radio stations which benefits our employees, listeners and advertising clients."

"Parting with valued and dynamic assets is never easy," said Jacques Parisien President, National Speciality and Pay TV, Radio, and Out-of-Home, Bell Media. "However, Newcap's acquisition of CHBM-FM, CFXJ-FM, CKZZ-FM, CHHR-FM, and CISL-AM is tremendous news for the stations' employees, listeners, and clients, as well as the Canadian radio industry. Newcap is a well-respected company and we know that their strong management team will help these stations grow."

The transaction is structured as an acquisition of shares and will be paid in cash at closing, subject to certain working capital adjustments as well as other customary conditions. The acquisition will be financed with the Company's existing $90 million revolving credit facility along with a newly committed, non-revolving credit facility of $90 million. Scotiabank is the lead lender with increased participation from TD Bank as well as the addition of the Royal Bank of Canada to the Company's banking syndicate.

For the twelve month period ending May 31, 2013 the stations had revenues of approximately $40 million. The Company expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings per share and the free cash flow generation from the combined business should allow the Company to reduce its debt leverage on a timely basis.

Newcap's acquisition of these radio stations is a result of Bell's acquisition of Astral. Astral and Bell are divesting certain radio stations to comply with the CRTC's Common Ownership Policy, which limits the number of stations a company can own in a single market.

indie 88.1 launches today at noon

In a busy couple of weeks in radioland, this is the best story to come out from our fairyland. Based in Liberty Village, Indie 88.1 FM is hitting the airwaves at Noon today. The station slogan is set at "Giving great music a Home".

Industry insiders are calling it the rebirth of the Spirit of Radio, (that same line Rush made popular and EDGE 102 once used when they were known as CFNY),. Promises to take "the form of communication with its listeners, a core local audience of adults ages 18 to 34".  as stated by, Program Director Adam Thompson. "This is very much a Toronto radio station" he told the Toronto Star. . "We serve our constituents. They'll tell us what they want to hear".

Same old blabber most PD's mutter when a station hits the air or flips format, but I'm really hoping Thompson is right on this one. This is a very cool and needed direction Toronto radio needs to go in and I'm really looking forward to it.

Tune in.

1010, 99.9 get new digs.

The studios will be missed. After 48 years at the St. Clair address, CFRB 1010 will be getting a new home. Along with Virgin 99.9, the two stations will join the rest of their family at the Queen West building.  The address change was announced yesterday in a memo from Bell Media president, Kevin Crull. The move is set for March. 

To read the full article from today's Toronto Star, go Here. 

the new is tropical video

Here is the latest video from UK outfit, Is Tropical.  The video is directed by underground photographer, writer and filmaker, Richard Kern. Only two records deep, the band  is already famously known for messed up visuals in their epic videos. This one is no exception.

the last set

As I write this, news is breaking that my second home is broke. Detroit is getting ready to file for Chapter 9 tomorrow morning. The same day, I'm leaving after a wonderful eight day stay. Full of laughs, late nights, drinks, touristy afternoons and quality time with loved ones, our memories will only reside in our hearts and in pixels form. Speaking of which, are a few snaps I took in the last couple of days. Click 'em to make 'em bigger.

Been real, Detroit. I'll see you soon.

of monsters and men

Whichever yougin' is in charge of the music selection at the Panara Bread in Troy, Michigan, has some good taste. They played the Of Monsters and Men CD, My Head is an Animal over and over again. Thanks to some quick Shazam action, I strolled over to Barns and Noble, bought a chai tea and listened to the group some more.  While they've been around for a few years, this was the first time I heard of them. And they've instantly become my latest greatest find. If you haven't heard of this indie-group from Iceland, give them a try. You'll love Little Talks.

some flicks from the journey..

Not even half done yet, but thought I'd share some pictures I've taken so far on my journey to Michigan for my Birthday. Click'em to make'em larger.

enough heat, not enough sugar.

Put three brown sugar bags into this coffee. Can't taste it. I might have put in too much Soy. I'm at Panara Bread in Michigan. First day after my 35th, and the first day of rest I've had since getting here four days ago. The birthday celebration vacation has been full of singing, drinking, tanning, bike riding and relaxing. Not enough, obviously, since I'm still feeling it from last week and from Sunday, especially.

Due to some balancing issues stemming from childhood, I can't ride a regular bike. However, when I take a boat over to Mackinac Island, in Northern Michigan, I ride a tricycle. And, I take advantage of that freedom. Sunday morning we started early. Got to the island by 9am. Rode till Noon. I clocked in 8 miles. Had lunch at the Grand Hotel then, another couple clicks before I had to turned her in.

Slept for most of the 3.5 hour ride home while listening to Eagles and Joplin. It was a good afternoon. At night, we watched the WWE PPV. At the end of the day, my legs were sore, I was full and tired. Just the way I wanted to feel on my Birthday.

The trip continues for another few days. Back on Friday.

Will continue to fill you in and post some flicks along with the updates.

Stay Cool.
 

gone for a ride..

In Michigan. Been here since Thursday afternoon. Up north for the weekend in Mackinaw City. Going to the island tomorrow. Been a wonderful trip with beautiful birthday surprises. Will share more later. For now, I just want to lay down. Got a big bike ride tomorrow. 

bell gets astral

After rejecting their initial bid of $3.4 billion, CRTC have given the nod to Bell to take over Astral Media. In its second bid, Bell has promised to sell some of Astral's speciality TV channels and radio stations (ie locally,  Boom 97.3). This is to satisfy CRTC concerns that the deal would make Bell too dominant in the Canadian market.

Here's more of the complicated mumbo-jumbo from the big boys:

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, June 27, 2013 — Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved an application by Astral Media Inc. to sell its pay and specialty television channels, conventional television stations and radio stations to BCE Inc. The CRTC’s approval comes with a number of conditions that are necessary to uphold the public interest.

“Astral’s application put forward a different approach and responded to many of our concerns” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “Yet there remained a significant risk that BCE could exert its market power to limit choice and competition. To ensure the public interest is served, we are requiring BCE to invest in new Canadian programming and sell more than a dozen services, and we are putting in place a number of competitive safeguards. This will maintain a healthy and competitive broadcasting system that offers more programming choices to Canadian consumers and citizens and more opportunities for Canadian creators.”

come out and play..

Working on another computer takes some getting used to. My computer got ill last night. She's going into the hospital today. They say it should be a quick overnight stay. She'll be good to go by the weekend. Let's hope.Made eggs, having my coffee. Surfing the web. Making typos along the way as I'm still trying to get the knack of this keyboard.

Can't wait to wear my Macho Man shirt. The pink one. The one he used to rock back in the 80s. I got Macho merch yesterday as part of an early Birthday gift. Also in the pack was a Vintage Series Macho Man Savage dol ..umm -  action figure. He's standing by my favourite picture of my nephew, a few of my paintings and my two framed records.  Macho is still in his case. Don't want to take him out. I think I'll leave him in there. However, the 10 year old in me wants to rip open the package so Macho can once again fly in the air only to land an elbow drop onto my bed.

Growing is essential. Just don't ignore that kid inside of you  who wants to come out and play.

happy birthday, maurice sendak

If you noticed the Google Doodle today, you'd know it would've been Maurice Sendek's 83rd Birthday.
Originally, I was going to post an interview or a classic reading of Sendek's landmark creation, Where the Wild Things Are. However, I found this. Christopher Walken reading the popular children's book. This will be your best laugh of the day. Or maybe, even week.

"And now", cried Max, "Let he wild rumpus start!".