The End of the CFL Season was Spectacular!!! Unfortunately I was 2/4.

 

Friday Night the Lions lost Casey Printers and Buck Pearce and had to go to their fifth string QB.  The result was a 45-13 win for Edmonton. 

Saturday Morning Montreal beat Toronto 42-17. Then Saturday night Rider Nation showed me why you never ever bet against the Riders at home when they are having a great season. Saskatchewan 30 Calgary 14.

Sunday Morning was my choice for best game of the weekend.  On their opening drive Hamilton Scores a Touch Down, then Winnipeg answers with their own.  Then the Bomber's Walls intercepts Glenn and takes it into the end zone. Ti-cats lead by 1 at the half. Kicker/Punter Ito, was was released from the practice roster earlier in the week, only to get called back for the weekend, was perfect in his CFL Debut. The Ti-Cat won 39-17 and the respect they have been missing for a long time.

CFL Week 19 Preview

 

It's the Final Week of the CFL regular season and there is a lot at stake.

Tonight the Edmonton Eskimos visit Vancouver to take on the Lions at 7PM PST.  The winner of tonight's game makes the playoffs. The loser might make it on the Eastern side of the playoff schedule.  The Eskimos haven't been playing well the last half of the season.  And although the Leo's have lost some key players like Baron Miles, the addition of QB Casey Printer has ignited the rest of the team. I'm taking BC by 8.

Saturday Morning 10AM PST the Alouettes are in Toronto to take on the Argos.  The Argos are out of the playoff and although some of their players were fired up last week I'm not expecting the Al's to sacrifice any players tomorrow. I'm call it The Snore in the Skydome and picking Montreal.

CFL Week 18 Update

 

What a weekend in the CFL we just had. Friday night the Eskimos got their MoJo back in Toronto, beating the Argos 36-16.

It was disappointing for Green Rider's fans Saturday Morning. Apparently the entire team missed their flight to Hamilton.  That's the only explanation (not to take anything away from the Tiger Cats, who played very well) for only scoring in the second quarter and just putting 6 points on the board.  Ti-Cats Annihilated Saskatchewan 24 - 6.

I knew Saturday Night was going to be a tight game.  Did you see the Pre-game show on TSN where Casey Printers showed his new found humble side? The Lions came out strong and led at halftime.  I thought they were going to take this game, but the Stamps scored a field goal at the final minute of play beating the Leo's 28-26.

The OFFICE Update

 

Last Night on The Office, the gang at Dunder Mifflin turned their warehouse into a Haunted House for the kids in the neighborhood.  Michael Scott used the opportunity to teach suicide prevention to the youngsters. 

Then Monday, while on a sales call with Jim, Michael falls into a koi pond in the lobby of their clients building.  The entire Office uses the opportunity to take their digs at Michael.  Michael is great at dishing it out, but he certainly can't take it, so he starts a sensitivity training.

When everyone crowds around to watch a copy of the security video, it becomes clear that Jim had the chance to save Michael, but purposely didn't.  Dwight Loves Jim's predicament.

CFL Week 18 Preview

 

It's week 18 and we are down to final stretch of the regular season. This weekend the games are stretched over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Friday at 7PM PST Edmonton is hosting the dismal Toronto Argonauts.  The Argo's will not be in the play offs this year and the Eskimos haven't been there for the last two seasons.  The only way the Eskimos can make it, is to cross over to the east.  And to do that they will have to win tonight at home and there last game in BC Place next weekend.  They have a lot at stake, so I'll take Edmonton on this one.

The OFFICE Update

 

Late night there was FIREWORKS at Dunder Miffland!  (And NOT the fun kind)

Jim & Pam come back from their Puerto Rican Honeymoon all relaxed.

Then Michael reveals to Jim that he has a new girl friend.  Pam's Mother. 

Jim begs him not to tell Pam.  But Pam finds out and she FREAKS.   I mean seriously FREAKS OUT!! An everyone shares their opinion on the situation.

Dwight gives Jim a Carved Mallard Duck as a congratulatory gift. Inside the duck is an electronic bug. Of course Jim has to mess with Dwight's mind when he discovers the surveillance bug.

CFL Week 17 Preview

 

This afternoon the Hamilton Tiger cats are in Toronto to take on the Argo's.

Hamilton will take this one.

At 7PM tonight McMahon stadium plays host to the battle of Alberta.  The Stampeders

have been dominating the Eskimos this season. Tonight shouldn't be any different. Stamps by 5

Saturday morning Winnipeg plays host to Montreal.  The Al's are unstoppable, so take them.

And finally the Lions are in Regina Saturday afternoon. BC has beaten the Riders the last two times they met this season.  The Green Riders are playing at home and want to keep their first place standing, so I should probably pick Saskatchewan.  But Casey Printer's is starting for the Lions. I'm picking the Lions by 3.

Costume or HOAX?!?

 

A Canadian Company has come up with a with a costume that is so timely and simple I'm Kicking myself for not coming up with it first. 

Plantraco Microflight, which sells RC (Remote Control) planes and accessories, came up with a costume after following Balloon Boy story only to learn it was an elaborate hoax.

"Now you, too, can enjoy all the media attention you want with Plantraco's Balloon Boy Hoax kit ... flying saucers and hot air balloon hoaxes are famous these days; get on the bandwagon for trick-or-treat Halloween fun and loads of laughs for everyone!"

Bear Season is Upon Us

 

It's Bear Season and we live in Bear Country so we need to be Bear Aware.  If you are unsure on how to keep your neighborhood safe from Bears or what to do if you encounter a bear, click on the link to Bear Aware below.  And have a safe Autumn.

http://www.bearaware.bc.ca/

CFL Week 16 UPDATE

 

What a great weekend of Three Down Football.  Friday night the Argo's finally had a touchdown after their 5 game drought, but it wasn't enough to beat the struggling Eskimos.  Edmonton beat Toronto 22 to 19.

Shortly after picking The Roughriders to win Saturday's game in Calgary I started having second thoughts.  Although Burris has been struggling I knew the Stamps would not go down quietly.  That game tied in Overtime 44 to 44.

On Sunday Hamilton showed signs of life in Montreal.  The Ti-Cats have been the only Eastern team to even come close to beating the Allouettes. Calvillo was hurt and MacPhearson had to take over, but Tony should be back for the weekend.  Als 41 Ham 38

The True King of Rock and Roll turns 83 years old today

 

Happy 83^rd B-Day Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry was born in St. Louis Missouri on this day in 1926.  He brought the rockabilly sound out of the backwoods and into the urban centres during a time when black performers where not well received by the masses and could not get their "race music" played white radio stations. 

Many rock and roll superstars including The Beatles, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, Led Zeplin, and Bob Dylan (just to name a few) have said Berry was their biggest influence.

"Those who do not claim him as a seminal influence or profess a liking for his music and showmanship show their ignorance of rock's development as well as his place as the music's first great creator. Elvis may have fueled rock & roll's imagery, but Chuck Berry was its heartbeat and original mindset."

CFL Week 16 Preview

 

Last week I was only 2/4.  Who would have thought the Lions would dominate the Eskimos in that weather at Commonwealth Stadium?

This weekend Friday Night Football is in the Centre of the Universe as the Argo's play host to the Eskimos.  The 6/8 Esks should beat the 3/11 Argonauts easily, but.... 

Saturday Afternoon at 12:30PM PST McMahon Stadium is the venue for my pick as the most exciting game of the weekend with the Roughriders meeting the Stampeders.  The Stamps match Saskatchewan in points, but the Riders beat them in Calgary on their last game, so that puts the Roughriders at first in the West. Calgary hosts this years Grey Cup and they won it all last year.  The team is under a lot of pressure to do it again and they were humiliated in Montreal last weekend.  I'm taking the Riders for this one.

The OFFICE Update

 

Last Night things got dicey on The Office.

When Micheal arrived at Dunder Mifflan, there was a large man waiting to see him about insurance. After their meeting, Dwight and Andy convinced Micheal that the insurance the man was selling was protection and the guy was from the Mafia.

Their proof?  He was of Italian Heritage.  Ooooooh.

And Poor Jim and Pam couldn't enjoy their honeymoon without receiving a call from the office every few hours. And did I mention Kevin accidentally had their credit card cancelled?

Listen next Friday Afternoon for you're The Office update on EZ Rock

CFL Week 15 Update

 

Exciting Games over the Thanksgiving Long Weekend!

Friday Night The BC Lion's Geroy Simon Pulled his magic in the final minute of play to lead the Leo's to a 34-31 win over the Eskimos.

Saturday night the Roughriders defeated the Argos 32 22.

Thanksgiving Day saw the Alouettes crush the Stampeders 32 to 11. Montreal kept Calgary from scoring a TD all game.

In the Final game of the weekend the Tigercats continued their losing streak in Hamilton. The Blue Bombers beat the Ti-Cats 38-28.

The Eastern Standings remain the same Montreal, Hamilton, Winnipeg (tied with Hamilton for points, but still in 3^rd), and Toronto.

The OFFICE Update

 

If you missed last night's episode of the Office too bad!  It was the one hour Wedding Episode, with the entire Office traveling to Niagara Falls.

Michael was very stoked because weddings are a great place to pick up the babes.  But things didn't quite work out the way the guys expected. Andy damaged himself doing the splits dance.  A woman mistook Kevin for Oscar's partner, which upset Oscar more than it did Kevin. Kevin's shoes were destroyed by hotel staff because they were a bio-hazard. Dwight shocked everyone hooking up with a bride's maid. And Micheal?  He ended up sleeping in the ice and vending machine alcove, alone.

CFL Week 15 Preview

 

Welcome to the Thanksgiving CFL Long Weekend!

Friday Night Football heads to Commonwealth Stadium starting at 6PM PST.  Edmonton plays host to Buck Pierce (CFL Offensive Player of the week) and the BC Lions.  Pierce played like a man possessed last week.  He and the Leos dominated the top ranked Riders.   Eskimos starter Ricky Ray has been struggling lately.  Last week Coach Hall pulled Ray in the final quarter and handed the reigns to Jason Maas.  This will be an exciting game to watch.

Saturday night the CFL heads to Mosaic (Taylor) Field at 6PM PST. The Roughriders took a humbling defeat in Vancouver last weekend.  Expect the Riders to start strong against the Argos. Toronto has lost their last three games.

CFL Week 14 Update

 

The CFL has completed 14 weeks of Three Down Football.

In Winnipeg Friday Night the Blue Bombers had their way with the Eskimos.  Even with QB Jason Maas coming in to take over for Ricky Ray the Eskimos couldn't get past Winnipeg's Defensive line. Bomber's 27 Esk's 17

The Lions owned the Roughriders at BC Place Friday night.  Buck Pierce played like his life was on the line.  He completed over 67% of his passes and denied Saskatchewan interceptions. The Leo's led for the entire game and the win moved them out of last place in the West.  BC 19  Sask 16

THE OFFICE Update

 

On  last week's episode; David the President of Dunder Miffland promotes Jim to Branch Co-Manager to avoid losing Jim to another firm. Michael Scott's Ego is having trouble adjusting.

This week David tells Michael & Jim that the company will not be handing out annual raises and leaves it up to them to figure out how to dole out what little money is available.

This creates a clash of management style's between the boys.  Jim criticizes Michael's Style and takes the lead.  When Jim explains the situation to the rest of the staff, he finds out his technique really isn't superior to the way Michael manages.

Losing Weight Can Improve Sleep Apnea:

 

As reported in the Health Day News on September 28^th

A new study from Temple University suggests Overweight or obese people who suffer from sleep apnea can triple their chances of getting rid of the disorder simply by losing weight.

The study's author Gary Foster, head of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education, said "a weight loss of about ten percent of total body weight in the study subjects was enough to bring about total or near-total remission."

Sleep Apnea is "caused by the soft palate in the back of mouth falling down and blocking the airway."  This can lead to cardiovascular problems, stroke, and increased risk for premature death.  I noticed my snoring decreased significantly after losing weight.

CFL Week 13 Preview

 

Last week I picked 3 out of 4, let's see how I do this week.

Montreal is in SteelTown tonight at 4PM PST 5PM MST.  Even though Hamilton is having their best season in years, they're not good enough to beat the Al's.

The Stamps play host to the Lions tonight at 7PM PST 8PM MST.  Calgary has home advantage and has played better than the Lions this year.  Unless Coach Buono plays Printers, I'll have to pick the Stamps.  Sorry Leo's.

Saturday 3PM PST 4PM MST The Roughriders are in the City of Champions to get their revenge on the Eskimos. After throwing 20 completions in a row against them last week, Ray won't be giving them any slack. Add in the thirteenth player and you have a recipe for success.  Eskimos by 7.

Recycle your Vehicle

 

If you've been thinking about getting a new vehicle the Provincial and Federal governments have an incentive program that might help out.

If your vehicle is a 1995 model or older and you are 19 years or older, a BC resident, and purchasing a 2004 or newer vehicle you could receive up to $1250 for your vehicle.   

Your new vehicle can be a automobile, bicycle, electric bike, or scooter.

For more information visit

http://www.scrapit.ca/

CFL Week 12 Preview

 

It's week 12 in the CFL and here's where things stand;

In the West the Roughriders are in first with 12 points followed by The Stamps who also have 12. the Eskimos are in third with 10 and the Lions sit in the basement with 8 points and a 4-6-0 season.

The Allouettes are in First place with 8-2-0 and 16 points making them the most dominate team in the League.  Hamilton follows with 10 points. With a 5-5-0 record this is the best season the Ti-cats have had in years. The Argos are in third with 6 points matched by the Bluebombers in last place.

Tonight Calgary visits Hamilton (4:30 PM PST  5:30 MST)  This game can go either way, but I'll go with the Stamps for this one.

Safety Tips for Back to School

 

ICBC's Top 5 Tips for DRIVERS:

• 1) Always Yield to Pedestrians.
• 2) Be Alert and scan left & right for pedestrians every time you approach an intersection.
• 3) If a vehicle is Stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop.
• 4) Be Aware of pedestrians who seem unsure or aren't paying attention. They might dart out or wander onto the roadway.
• 5) Always watch for pedestrians when you're backing up. Before you get into your vehicle, make it a habit to walk around your vehicle to make sure no small kids are behind it.

ICBC's Tips for Parents and Students:

Is Your Family Prepared for an Emergency?

 

With the wildfires hitting the region Safety is on everyone's minds.

Do you know the risks for disasters in our region? Do you have a plan? Have you prepared an emergency kit?  In an emergency you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.

Visit the Government of Canada Public Safety website provided below to get the facts on being prepared for an emergency

http://www.getprepared.ca/index-eng.aspx

CFL This Weekend

 

This Afternoon the Toronto Argonauts play host to the Calgary Stampeders.  It's a very different CFL season this year.  It's like the Argo's and the Tiger Cats are in an Episode of Disney's Freaky Friday.  I'm picking the Stamps to win this one.

Speaking of Steeltown; Saturday Afternoon (4PM PDT/5PM MDT) the Ti-Cats are in Edmonton to meet the Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium.  This should be the better of the two games this weekend.  Both teams are playing very well this season and have  points each.  I'm saying Edmonton by 6.  (But don't put all your matchsticks on my predictions.)

Staycation

 

Well I'm back from my two week staycation and I had a Blast exploring the Interior with my relatives.

All the restaurants around the Shuswap and Okanagan lakes, the cafes in Revelstoke, to the Hot Springs in Halcyon.  We are so blessed to live in such a great area.

I also made it out to the Roots and Blues Festival and the Demolition Derby.  I snapped a lot of pictures, so keep your eyes open for them on the website.

Cheers,

17th Annual Roots & Blues Festival

 

The 17^th Annual Roots and Blues Festival begins August 14^th and offers 6 outdoor stages and over 45 acts over three days.  This years lineup includes; Serena Ryder, Johnny Winter, Bedouin Soundclash, Sherman Doucette, Opening Acts, Dr. John & the Lower 911, The Herting Verburg Power Trio, and Sam Roberts.

The City of Salmon Arm wants to help you get to the venue fast and easy, so they are offering free bus service to anyone wearing a Roots and Blues wristband during the festival.

Here's a link to the official Roots and Blues website;

BC Lions play host to the Stampeders Tonight

 

In Game two of the CFL Friday night Double Header, the Stampeders gallop to Lotus Land to face the Lions.  Both teams have one win and two losses and a win for the Lions will put them in second place in the west.  Go LIONS!!!!

Saturday the Eskimos travel to Regina to take on the 1^st Place RoughRiders.  I don't think Edmonton is going to get the win, unless coach Richie gives backup Quarterback Jason Maas the call.  So far Ricky Ray isn't having much success with his O line, but when Maas has stepped in he's been quicker at releasing the ball and making the plays.

Longest Solar Eclipse of the Century Wednesday

 

Wednesday July 22^nd, 2009 makes the date of the longest Solar Eclispe of this Century.  The sky will darken for about six minutes and 39 seconds. Unfortunately we are in the wrong part of the planet to witness it.  India's Gulf of Khambhat (North of Mumbai) is where the eclipse will begin.  Most of Asia will bear witness to the full eclipse. 

The Eclipse begins at 3:58 Pacific 4:58 Mountain, Take a look in the sky and see what happens, but DON"T look directly into the Sun.

The last total eclipse took place August 1^st, 2008 and lasted just under two and a half minutes. The next total solar eclipse is next summer, July 11^th, 2010

Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, & Neil Young

 

This Fall you can see Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, & Neil Young perform LIVE in West Vancouver. Sarah McLachlan put this Benefit concert together to raise money for the Sarah McLachlan Foundation, whose mandate is to provide music programs for youth.

The concert takes place at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver Saturday September 12^th at Noon.

Tickets for this Benefit Concert are $89 General Admission and $139 for Reserved Seating.

What an amazing opportunity to see three awesome performers on one stage in the same day. You can get more info at:

Rich's Time Machine

 

Yesterday, July 16^th, 2009, was the fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Launch.  I remember watching television as a little kid watching Neal Armstrong take that first step onto the lunar surface four days later. 

Today NASA has posted remastered footage of that historic event on their website.

Here's the link to take you back in time;

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/hd/apollo11.html

CFL Week Two Update

 

Lots of Upsets this weekend in the CFL.

Friday's double header began in Winnipeg. Calgary went into this game the favorite, but the Bombers reined in the Stampeder's 42-30.

Game Two Friday night broke my heart. I figured the Lions would beat Hamilton by at least 9 points. Wrong doesn't even begin to describe my pre-game prediction.  The Ti-Cats dominated the Lions in GM Place.  In the second half it looked like the Leo's would come back but too little too late. The Tabby's left Vancouver with their first win, 31-28

Saturday Morning the Riders were in Toronto.  The Argo's had trouble early and trailed for the rest of the game. Saskatchewan won 46-36 and is undefeated, along with Montreal after two weeks.

CFL Update Als Freeze the Esks 50-16

 

The Montréal Alouettes are starting the season on FIRE.

Last night they dominated the Eskimos 50-16. Last week they beat the Stampeders at home in Calgary.  I know it's early in the season, but the Al's are my Eastern pick for the Grey Cup Final.

Unfortunately Edmonton sputtered until the final minutes of  the game when Jason Maas relieved Ricky Ray and took over QB duties.  Too Late though.  It's early enough in the season for the Esks to fix their run game and offense.

Tonight is a double header in the CFL as Winnipeg Host's Calgary (4:30 Pacific) then the Lions take on Hamilton in Vancouver. (7:30 Pacific) Although both teams are starting out slow, I'm saying Lions by 9.

King of Pop Dies in Los Angeles

 

Michael Jackson, the self proclaimed King of Pop, died this afternoon of an apparent Heart Attack at the age of 50.   He was preparing for a series of fifty concerts in London next month.

Jackson began performing with his brothers in 1969 at the age of 11. The Jackson Five were hugely popular in the early seventies recording hit records and their own Saturday morning cartoon.

In 1983 Jackson teamed up with Paul McCartney for "The Girl is Mine" and "Say Say Say".  During this period of friendship McCartney shared with Jackson his desire to gain ownership to the rights of the remaining Beatles songs owned by Northern Music.  Jackson outbid McCartney and so did their friendship.  An article recently purported that Michael Jackson had bequeathed his Beatle's Music Catalogue to Paul McCartney in an attempt to mend their friendship.

Farrah Fawcett dead at 62

 

I was very sad to hear Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer this morning.  From the time she starred in Charlie's Angels (for only the first season) in 1976 to her passing today she was beautiful in person and spirit.

Here's a link to 50 pictures of Farrah spanning the last 35 years

http://tv.msn.com/wonderwall/farrah-fawcett/photo-gallery/in-focus/?photoidx=1

CALIFORNIA HAS NIGHTCLUB FOR PLUS SIZED PEOPLE

Bounce is a Long Beach nightclub that caters specially to plus-sized people. Club owner Lisa Marie Garbo told the Whittier Daily News, "Club Bounce is a size-acceptance nightclub. People of larger shapes and sizes can go and feel comfortable, accepted and desired and not feel like they're second-class citizens for being overweight." Garbo, who says she's a distant cousin of the Hollywood legend Greta, believes that overweight people are the last group against which discrimination is still accepted. "There's no sensitivity, there's no understanding," she told the paper.

Boating Safely

 

The May Long Weekend is usually the kick off to boating season, and after a long winter it's easy to forget some of the principles of safe boating.

Let someone staying on shore know where you will be going and what time you plan to return.

Always wear a Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Devise.

Know what to do if you're submerged in cold water.

For a full explanation of Safe Boating click on the link below to the Transport Canada website.

http://www.tc.gc.ca

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