July 2008 Archives
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Today With Craig and Matt
July 30, 2008 @ 10:38
Category: Radio
July 29, 2008 @ 11:46
It’s been a quiet summer when you think about it. There’s been some gun play in the GTA, but nothing like past years, and the gang activity seems to have thinned out. Mayor Miller has been rather quiet. He must be taking some time off this summer because; there have been very few puzzling or mind boggling decisions or statements by the man who’s slowly destroying Toronto. Federally, it’s the same old story. A Liberal leader is attempting to destroy himself, but Ontario won’t stand for it. Canada’s most twisted province prefers to over-look the obvious shortcomings of the Liberals, and instead, dig deep for anything that might make the Conservatives look bad, even if it’s fantasy. It’s left me scratching my head many days this summer wondering what to write about. You need issues to sink your teeth into, but there’s been no meat outside of my little world in the Kawartha’s. Inside my world however, there are have been two issues lately. A bear and poop. There’s been a black bear spotted at the garbage dumpster just down the road from us, and we’ve had some trouble in the trailer park this year with having our black water tanks emptied. The bear, which very few people have actually seen, has most of the women, including my wife freaked out. They feel we’re under the constant threat of being torn apart by a bear, who in reality, would rather eat our garbage than eat our limbs. Even during the day when we walk near the vicinity of the dumpster, Delyse walks a little closer to me and her head spins like “what’s her name” in the Exorcist. I keep telling her there’s nothing to worry about. I’ve been coming up to these parts since I was “crappin’ yellow” and never once has anyone been threatened, let alone attacked by a bear. We used to make special trips up to a dump just to watch them play and eat. Black bears don’t care about us unless we threaten their young, and I don’t think anyone is going to go out of their way to threaten a cub. “But what about at night” said my sweet. “Same thing” I said. First of all, chances are the bear will be way more interested in the garbage than he is in us, and if you leave him alone, he isn’t going to do anything. It’s really a needless worry, especially when you consider that only a select few people have actually seen the thing. To be honest, I’d love to see the bear. I’d take a few pictures and put them on my website. In fact I’d like to lure him to the Tiki Bar with a shot glass of honey. Baby come on! That would be a picture! What I find a lot more threatening in the park right now is full black water tanks. Black water thanks hold your poop and pee and through a management change this summer, there’s been a problem with emptying these things on a consistent basis. They’ve been done every week, but it’s been a bit of a “crap” shoot when it comes to the actual timing. This week it was done on Friday night, right at the dinner hour. Several people were just sitting down to a nice meal when the “Poop Wagon” guy was sucking stuff out of their trailer. And believe me, no matter what you do, while the process is taking place, there’s an odour. My buddy Darren was a nervous wreck on Friday. He was expecting company, yet his holding tank was brim full of chocolately goodness. He was at his wits end wondering what he was going to tell his guests. Luckily, all embarrassment was avoided at the eleventh hour. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for my other friend Chris. Her black water tank wasn’t emptied properly and what she thought was an empty tank turned out to be a “still full” tank. How unfortunate that my other friend Danny Bonchek was the first upon the scene and responded to Chris’s distress. He put a bucket under the valve and cranked it. He created enough room until the next pump out - and let it be known Chris disposed of it in a very environmentally conscious way. My buddy Bruce had an entirely different problem. His valve was broken, so there was no way of getting the nectar from inside his tank into that of the “excremental engineer.” He’s in the process of replacing the valve while not having any of his own body waste splash him in the face. He’s a handy guy, but this situation poses a major problem that I hope I never experience. Amazing eh. I start out saying I have nothing to write about but I end up with his long drawn out story about something you’d probably rather not think about. Hey, but that’s exactly why I’m so concerned about black water pump outs. I’m full of shit. Category: Stuff
July 28, 2008 @ 10:17
I’ve been up north enjoying some time with my wife, and for the most part I’ve considered it a bit of a holiday. I’ve scoured the newspapers and posted stuff on CanadianThinker.com, but I haven’t really sunk my teeth into anything because to be honest, nothing has really inspired me. I got mildly pissed off at the Commissioner of the MLS (Major Soccer League) who said he wanted the Argonauts to stay OUT of BMO field. I was mildly amused by the Loreen Small story. The mother of murdered teenager Jordan Manners, who along with her daughters were shot at last week. I’m fascinated by Stephane Dion. And I’m totally blown away with extended weather forecasts. Category: Stuff
The Trailer - Week Twelve - July 25-27 July 28, 2008 @ 10:16
A lot of my weekend buddies started holidays this week, so there was a certain air of levity to the world, and that was enhanced by the buzz created by the creation of Tyrania. It was great the way all the (adults?) at the park bought into what the kids had come up with and carried it right through the weekend. Some of the guys have vowed to take control of Tyrania through any means necessary. It could get interesting as the week unfolds. Something else I should mention. I did another boneless leg of lamb the old fashioned way. Not on my gas barbeque, but on my traditional barbeque that doubles as a fire pit and I cooked it over charcoal. This time I made no mistakes, I nursed I through the 70 minutes it stayed on the grill and took it off at precisely the right time before letting it rest for about twenty minutes. It was rare. Very rare, just the way we like it. This week I’m going to post a few pictures for you. Good friends had family members visit this weekend and we all gathered by the Tiki Bar on Saturday night to watch the sunset. (The above picture is my buddy Dan Bonchek and his son Josh) This is my friend Jackie and her parents Dave and Ann.
This is my friend Darren with his mom Helen and his sister Kendra.
This is Darren with his nephew Tyler.
This is Tyler's dad Tony.
And this is my sweet.
Category: The Trailer
I Am No Longer The King Of Tyrania July 25, 2008 @ 09:46
On the very first morning that I got to enjoy being the King of Tyrania, I found out the Royal Council had endorsed a sword fight between me and my supposed friend Darren. Apparently Darren, upon getting word that I had been named King, decided to work behind the scene in an effort to dethrone me. He said all the right things to the Council, and in the end, in the wacky land of Tyrania, the Royal Council holds more power than the King himself. So there I was, forced into a sword fight I really didn't want, up against an evil doer who would stop at nothing to grab the power that I had so graciously accepted. It was a simple match. The first warrior to touch the other warrior with his sword would be declared the winner. If it was me, I would remain King. If it was Darren, Tyrania would be thrown into instant turmoil by a ruthless man whose thirsts for power, and once achieving it, puts it to no good. Category: Friends
I Am The King Of Tyrania July 24, 2008 @ 10:27
It was another grey and unsettled day in the Kawarthas and these two young fellas, who are blessed vivid imaginations, created the kingdom of "Tyrania", which, as it turns out, is anywhere you want it to be. Yesterday afternoon it just happened to be to the right of my tin palace through a portal. When I returned home from golfing nine holes at Marvel Rapids, I was immediately met by Jordan and Josh who quickly informed me of the existence of Tyrania and that my wife Delyse had been named Queen. “How did that happen?” I asked. “She signed all the papers.” said Jordan. Turns out that in the creation of Tyrania, Jordan and Josh decided to there should be a King and a Queen but they weren’t interested in having their own parents take on the roles. So they chose Delyse, and according to the creators of Tyrania, a royal council had decided she should be Queen, but before she could receive the title officially, she would have to read the “Field Guide” and then initial a series of documents. Initial, not sign. For some reason the creators of Tyrania decided that was part of the official coronation process, and because of it, I was nearly dethroned mere moments after becoming King. Needless to say I quickly agreed to become King when asked, but instead of initialing the official documents, I signed them. This did not sit well with Josh, who quickly declared to the Queen that the King had been dethroned. It took some convincing but Josh relented allowed me to “initial” another document before it went to full royal council. Who knows what the consequences could have been? I might have been beheaded. Man did it ever feel good to hold on to the title of “King”. Right then and there I decided not to screw it up, so I asked the creators what my responsibilities were as King. It was at that point I was given a copy of the “Field Guide” to read. It states that Tyrania is "a wonderful world filled with imagination and creatures.” Creatures like “Blueberry, Lolipop, Nitelite, Dandylion, Wing and Electric Daisy.” Nitelite can light up the dark. Electric Daisy tells how much electricity there is, Blueberry can sail a ship and Dandylion can be used as a pillow. Amazing when you consider for an adult to come up with this stuff you’d have to eat half a bushel of mushrooms. But not the creators of Tyrania. They provided all this yesterday, and apparently there’s more, but I couldn’t find out last night because the royal council had to be in bed by eight. Check back tomorrow. Category: Friends
Today With Craig And Matt July 23, 2008 @ 10:38
Category: Radio
Darren B. Lamb July 22, 2008 @ 09:01
I've received my first press release directly from a radio station. Usually the radio stuff I write is opinion, or something I've heard through my connections in the business, but yesterday I received an official press release from CTV announcing that Darren B. Lamb had joined the CHUM-FM morning show. The contact is Greg McIsaac and he thinks enough of FreddieP. ca to consider this website a legitimate source of media news. Touch me where it counts. Thanks Greg CHUM Radio Alert – July 21, 2008 Darren B. Lamb Joins 104.5 CHUM FM’s Roger and Marilyn Toronto’s 104.5 CHUM FM announced today that popular radio personality Darren B. Lamb will join Roger and Marilyn every weekday morning. Lamb comes to Toronto’s most listened to morning show after a five-year run as 104.5 CHUM FM’s afternoon drive home host. Lamb will fill a variety of duties on Roger and Marilyn. He officially joins the team when Roger Ashby returns from vacation next week. “Darren is a fantastic addition to Roger and Marilyn,” said David Corey, Program director, 104.5 CHUM FM. “His sense of humour, love of music, and unique perspective on pop culture makes him a perfect fit with Roger and Marilyn.” Over the past five years, Darren’s afternoon drive home show has consistently been the top-rated drive home program in the GTA. Prior to joining 104.5 CHUM FM, Darren was in Vancouver where he worked at several radio stations including Z95.3 (now know as Crave 95.3) where he hosted its popular morning show. Roger and Marilyn airs on 104.5 CHUM FM weekday mornings at 5:30 to 9 am. CHUM Radio is a division of CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier multimedia company with ownership of CTV, Canada’s #1 television network, and The Globe and Mail, Canada’s #1 national newspaper. CHUM Radio is one of Canada’s most successful radio operations with 35 radio stations in 16 markets throughout Canada including CHUM FM, Canada’s # 1 FM station. - 30 - For more information, contact: Category: Radio
The Dark Knight July 22, 2008 @ 09:00
Alexander may be a great movie reviewer, but as a radio guy I'm not a fan. His attempts to sound super-cool rub me the wrong way, often to the point where I simply can't listen. Sorry, but that's the way I feel. Hey, what the shit, if he can review movies, why can't I review him. Anyway, last Friday I endured his act because he was talking about the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight". Alexander loved it, and ranked it right up there with the best movies he's ever seen. He was so blown away with the movie, for a few minutes he actually forgot about how blown away he is with himself. Yesterday, I saw the "Dark Knight" in Peterborough and I loved it. I'm not going to do a movie review, because I'd probably lose you a couple of lines into it, but let me say this, it was everything that Chris Alexander said it was. Dark and frightening with a twisty plot. Alexander calls it the best American film of 2008. I don't know about it being the best film of '08 because I haven't seen enough to make that determination, all I do know is that I enjoyed the two and a half hours thoroughly, and I'm the type of guy who usually starts to squirm after 120 minutes. You've probably already heard this, but know that Heath Ledger was absolutely amazing in this film. Check it out, ya bastards. Category: Stuff
Today With McArthur And Face July 21, 2008 @ 11:55
Category: Radio
The Trailer - Week Eleven - July 18-21 July 21, 2008 @ 10:32
Saturday afternoon was glorious weather wise and Saturday night was just as good as we sat by a fire in front of the Tiki Bar and listened to some great music. On Sunday, the focus of the day was the fifth wedding anniversary of our good friends Darren and Lori Wasylyk. (picture) They got married on the lake and its hard to believe five years has gone by since then. They said their vows on a dock by the beautiful lodge that's right beside us, and then we had a party that started in the lodge and ended by a campfire in front of their trailer. It was a fabulous time and a fine example of how a wedding should be. Nothing but your best and closest friends, in a location you love. It's way better than the archaic church and formal reception expense and bother that more and more people seem to be getting away from. Yesterday, to mark Darren and Lori's fifth anniversary we went for dinner at a cool restaurant just down the road. It's called The Old Bridge Inn at Young's Point, and the food is fabulous. Meanwhile, the two pictures below are a couple of shots taken by Dan Duran, who've I've explained is a magician with a camera. The first shot is a picture of me and my sweet in front of the Tiki Bar, and the second shot features my feet in front of an empty scotch bottle. Bells Scotch, ya buggers.
Category: The Trailer
Today With Neil Morrison July 18, 2008 @ 17:46
Category: Radio
Later Today July 18, 2008 @ 07:24
I'm building him a Tiki Bar on the new deck in his back yard, and after sweating by bag off all day yesterday, we sat down to a good feed of corned beef and cabbage over rice that his mother in law made. It was complimented with some Patak's Mango Pickle. Then we got into the Bud Lite. Then we got into some old stories. Then it was midnight. Then I got into bed. Then I started snoring. Category: Stuff
Rick Hodge Checks In July 17, 2008 @ 09:18
FreddieP.ca was flooded with new visitors and it drove my "uniques" through the roof. Yesterday I received this e-mail from the man himself. Fred: Thanks again.
Category: Radio
Jim Richards In The Day Time July 17, 2008 @ 09:17
As you know, I’m a long time friend and huge fan of Mike Stafford who does the ten to noon shift at am 640. Mike is simply the best, smartest and most eloquent talk radio host in Toronto, and since Stafford moved from afternoon drive at am 640, there’s been no competition for the guy between ten and noon. None. Now, it’s a bit different. My second favourite talk radio host is Jim Richards and since Leslie Roberts decided to concentrate on what he does best, CFRB has temporarily given Jimberly the ten to noon slot. Talk about refreshing. Exactly what Toronto needs in the day time. More fun, more irreverence, more attitude and can you imagine, more entertainment. Outside of Stafford and Richards and Oakley and McCown, Toronto is light years behind the United States when it comes to talk radio. We’ve got to loosen up in this country. But with Richards sitting in the ten to noon slot I get the feeling things might be slowly changing. For Jim’s sake, I hope it’s permanent, and the job doesn’t go to somebody like Ken Shaw or Gord Martineau or Lloyd Robertson. Problem is, from a personal standpoint Jimberly getting the slot would create a situation for me. I’d feel guilty as hell not giving my full attention to Stafford. Category: Radio
Another Maple Leaf Snow Job July 17, 2008 @ 09:16
The latest pile of bullshit if the so-called free game they announced yesterday. A September 22nd pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres will be free, totally free. Any fan lucky enough to get a ticket through some kind of a lottery, won’t have to pay. On the surface, that’s pretty cool because there are a lot of fans in the GTA who don’t have a hope in hell of ever going to an over-priced Leaf game to see a crappy team. What bothered me about yesterday’s announcement is the way it was presented, like it was a gift from the Leafs to the fans for all their years of undying support. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All the tickets were purchased by Coca-Cola as part of a promotion, so it won’t cost the Leafs a goddamn nickel. If anything, the Leafs are going to make even more dough off this thing. This is an “extra” pre-season game, so MLSE has already tucked away all the dough for those games. This “extra” game won’t bring in any ticket revenue, but it won’t cost them anything either thanks to Coca-Cola. However, you can bet your ass the concession stands will be open that day, and on any given night with a full house the Leafs scoop about 300 thousand dollars out of their faithful fans pockets for ten dollar roast beef sandwiches and 12 dollar beer. So in reality, this so-called “gift to their fans” is nothing more than an attempt to look good and give back while actually making an extra three hundred grand through the back door. If the Leafs really wanted to impress somebody, they’d offer to give all concession money to a charity, or slash the price of their expensive substandard food for this game. Don’t hold your breath. Even In its purest form this entire exercise is bullshit, because even if the Leafs were actually eating the cost of the tickets, presenting it as a gift to their fans is totally inaccurate. It's more like servicing a debt. Category: Sports
Message From Marsden July 16, 2008 @ 09:47
"Hi Fred Category: Radio
Suzanne Somers - Almost Down To The Wood July 16, 2008 @ 09:46
Category: Television
David Marsden July 15, 2008 @ 10:21
I’ve reconnected with a lot of people of the last few months and it’s been great and one of those people is my first boss from CFNY, David Marsden. I saw David at the CFNY re-union a few years back, and I often listen to him on Friday nights while driving to the tin palace. He does Thursday and Friday nights at the Rock in Oshawa and enjoy listening to the guy. It reminds of the good old days in the little yellow house, and then the strip mall on Kennedy Rd. S. in Brampton. And its prompted me to share another excerpt from a work in progress, "A Radio Story" by Fred Patterson. Everybody at CFNY was fabulous after Melanie was born. It was like she belonged to them all. I had to lug home all kinds of gifts, and because we lived so close to the station all the girls at work insisted I bring her in, which I did, nearly every week. David Marsden came to Brampton in 1978 with a vision, and despite overwhelming odds against him, he built the station into something that will never be forgotten. Category: Radio
Today With McArthur And Face July 14, 2008 @ 09:41
Category: Radio
The Trailer - Week Ten - July 11-13 July 14, 2008 @ 09:40
Me and my sweet didn't arrive until after eleven o'clock on Friday, so it was unpack and to bed for Delyse and a quick beer for me by the fire with good friend Danny Bonchek. On Saturday I fell into a drink-fest. A stroll down to the Kimbe's turned into the sampling of several summer drinks, or as I call them, "broad drinks" (even though Delyse hates it when I use the word broad) Very fruity and sweet. I just take little sips because sugary drinks give me headaches like someone is taking a Mikita with a three/eighths drill bit to my head. Instead I indulged in a few beers - a couple of Caribs, a Stella and a Sleeman Clear, all courtesy of my good buddy Peter Grove. After a few hours of talking and laughing and saying stupid shit, we decided we'll all eat together that night, so we pooled our resources and had a big smorgasbord at the Kimbers. I had a hunk of steak, a hamburger, some lovely asparagus wrapped in bacon and some sweet potato fries. After that, it was back into the booze but once again I backed off the sweet shit and opted for Scotch, something that never gives me a hang-over. My buddy Mike Kimber cracked a 26er of Bells, and by two a.m., me, Kimber and Dan Duran had drained the some of a bitch. But there was no yelling, arguing or punches thrown. We just laughed our bags off while saying suggestive things to our wives. All in all, a very enjoyable night which was highlighted by Dan Duran snapping away with his digital camera. I've mentioned before on this blog that Duran has a wonderful eye with a camera, and sees things that most of us don't. He has an amazing talent, and later on in the week I'll publish some of the pictures he took on Saturday night. He also took some video of me saying a speech. Or declaring something. Or making a bizarre point of some sort. Hopefully I can post that later in the week as well. And speaking of pictures, the shot I posted above is a picture of my wife Delyse and two of her trailer friends Karen Collins and Pam Kimber. It's just another by-product of whats been so good about heading north every weekend. The friendships we've made will last a lifetime. Delyse, Karen and Pam have been close "buds" for 17 years. They've shared a lot. Raising kids, handling husbands and enjoying each others company. They've laughed together, cried together and sipped many cups of tea together. No doubt about it, they're real solid broads. Sorry Dol. Category: The Trailer
Today With Neil Morrison July 11, 2008 @ 18:14
Category: Radio
Gopey's Big Day July 11, 2008 @ 18:13
They were being nosey. Our neighbours on the other side were off to the wedding of their daughter Gopey, and Delsye and Ally wanted to see her in her wedding dress. Our neighbours are East Indian, and it was quite the week on our street. Relatives from all over the globe converged on Brampton and several of them stayed next door, and they got great use out of their garage. I don’t know if its part of the East Indian culture or whether its just a passion for garages, but most of the festivities took place in the garage this week. There were tables set up, and bar along one wall and a barbeque that was chugging out the most delicious smelling food. There was laughter, loud chatter and at one point, even some dancing on the driveway. Today everybody next door woke up early and prepared for the wedding that would take place at nine o’clock this morning in Scarborough. And that’s why my wife and Ally were in my car this morning. It didn’t matter that it was wife’s day off and she likes to sleep in on Friday’s, she set the alarm for 6:45 and made sure she was up in time. There was a light rain falling, but they didn’t want to miss Gopey emerging from the house in her cultural wedding dress. They wanted to see a kid who grew up on the street take her last few Brampton steps as a single girl. They weren’t disappointed, Gopey looked tired and nervous, but she looked beautiful and happy has she slid into the waiting limousine. Delyse and Ally were impressed, but uncharacteristically they did not shed a tear. I guess part of them was pissed off we didn’t get invited to the wedding.
Category: Stuff
Two Score And Twelve July 10, 2008 @ 09:49
It was a low key day. It started in paradise and ended Brampton where I spent the rest of the day with my kids. You know what its like; you reach a certain point in your life when your birthday means a lot more to other people than it does to you. That’s where I’m at. But thank you, the messages were much appreciated.
Category: Stuff
Trouble For Toronto July 10, 2008 @ 09:34
It gives them lots of time to figure out a way to prevent another victory. When asked on Tuesday whether he’d defend his crown in the next municipal election, Miller offered nothing more than a “yes” but it was enough to sound off the alarms and let every know that Toronto needs to be saved from this guy beyond the current term. The city is dirty, mismanaged and carries a staggering three billion dollar debt. Since Miller has become mayor you can’t point to one progressive or beneficial thing he’s done He’s blind socialist who’s leading Canada’s greatest city into the abyss and somebody’s got to stop him. Toronto needs a realist. A straight shooter who will run the city the way it needs to be run. Like a business. Category: Politics
The Star Delivers July 10, 2008 @ 09:33
They bashed him at every turn and made sure they got lots of pictures of him with George Bush. It’s what the Star likes to do. Forget that our Prime Minister stood on the world stage and wouldn’t back down or buckle under to pressure from those who’d like to suck Canada into a bad environmental deal, the Star’s mandate is to pulverize Conservatives and it doesn’t seem to care about the consequences. Stephen Harper showed strong leadership in Tokyo and acted in the best interests of the country that he was elected to run, and for that we should be thankful. The Toronto Star meanwhile went out of its way in a half-baked attempt to make the man look foolish. And for that it should be ashamed. Category: Politics
Ben's A Bomb July 10, 2008 @ 09:32
Both people I talked to admitted they can’t watch Canadian Idol because of Ben Mulroney. I won’t pretend to know what the ratings are for Canadian Idol, but I can only assume they’re good because the show survives and that means somebody is watching it. But you have to wonder how “big” the show would be if they had another host. Believe me, I can’t stand the way Canadians tend to eat their own and not recognize achievement by a fellow Canuck until it comes in the States, but that’s not the situation in this case. Canadians have been force fed Ben Mulroney for some inexplicable reason and he continues to survive even though the general consensus seems to be that he’s untalented and totally out of his league as a network host. Mulroney should have never been given the shot he was given at the beginning, but we’re all aware of politics and the part they can play in the board rooms of the country and I’m sure that was the initial explanation. But years later, and Mulroney not showing an ounce of improvement, and people from coast to coast complaining about the guy, you’d think something might have changed. But it hasn’t. Ben Mulroney still gets every juicy gig that CTV has to offer, and countless other people, with genuine talent, sit on the sidelines. We don’t always eat our own in Canada, sometimes we spoon feed them. Category: Television
Southern Alberta July 9, 2008 @ 10:17
My long time buddy and former colleague Bruce Barker is the new morning man at Q-13 in Brooks. Alberta. It's smack dab between Calgary and Medicine Hat. Barker has invited me to join him every Tuesday morning at 8:10 Alberta time, which is 10:10 Toronto time. I will, and I’ll like it. Category: Radio
Today With Craig And Matt July 9, 2008 @ 10:16
Category: Radio
The Rational Man July 9, 2008 @ 10:15
Whenever you elect a leader, you expect that person to put country first and act in the best interests of the long term. That’s what Stephen Harper has done, and that’s what he’s doing at the G8 summit. To get sucked into some bogus plan that doesn’t include the large developing nations would be disastrous for Canada, and the Prime Minister won’t stand for it. I really can’t see how anyone could look at it any other way. As the Prime Minister says, "The argument that we should do more is an interesting argument, but it can't be made by those who aren't doing anything, so I think the pressure will be on them to do something. Over the coming years, developing countries will account for the majority of the world's emissions; as a result, their participation in any climate deal is indispensable.” That says it all. Category: Politics
Lake Monster July 8, 2008 @ 10:29
Today With McArthur And Face July 7, 2008 @ 07:51
Category: Radio
The Trailer - Week Nine - July 4-7 July 7, 2008 @ 07:50
Talk about a wonderful weekend. It started with a round of golf at Hawk Ridge in Orillia, before a fabulous dinner at the Ossawippi Express Dining Cars, and then on to the Steely Dan concert at Rama. The Steely Dan concert was fabulous. I won’t go on too much about it, because it’s one of those things. You had to be there to appreciate it. Two hours of solid entertainment. I’m a lucky guy. I’ve been blessed with so many things in my life, and this weekend was just another indication. I spent Friday night with a three of my closest friends, and then after everything I mentioned above, we drove from Orillia to the Kawarthas on Saturday morning to spend the rest of the weekend with more friends and family. The weather was perfect, which allowed us to enjoy our first "raft party" of the season.
Category: The Trailer
Friday With Neil Morrison July 7, 2008 @ 06:53
Category: Radio
Reelin' In The Years July 4, 2008 @ 07:00
I’m heading to Orillia with a few friends to golf, have a nice dinner and then see one of my favourite bands of all-time. Steely Dan is playing Rama, and I’ll be there front row centre. I’ve been a fan of Steely Dan since the 1970’s, but fell in love with them in 1980 when they released Gaucho. I hadn’t worked at CFNY very long when the album came out, and it became of favourite of all the ‘NY jocks because it was so bloody good. ”Hey 19” was the so-called hit off the album, but that meant nothing at the Spirit of Radio. All tracks were played, and to be honest, it was this album that made me go out and invest in my first quality stereo. Geets Romo sent me to Fairview Electronics on Albion Rd. and I bought a Technics package that included a 30 watts per channel receiver, a turntable, cassette deck and two monstrous Advent speakers that I still have to this day. I had Gaucho on vinyl and Donald Fegan and Walter Becker sounded sweet wafting through me and Delyse’s one bedroom apartment on Church Street in Brampton. Babylon Sisters might be partly responsible for Melanie. I never got to see Steely Dan perform Gaucho because shortly after the album was released they broke up for ten years. By 1991 I was on to other things and wasn’t really blown away with either one of their two studio releases since they got back together. “Two Against Nature” and “Everything Must Go” are alright, but neither spun by propeller like Gaucho. From what I understand, bands that play at Rama aren’t allowed to come and play their new stuff. Rama pays big bucks, so it’s hits only. I’m looking forward to it.
Category: Stuff
You're Wrong Mr. Prime Minister July 3, 2008 @ 10:50
He doesn’t think Dr. Henry Morgentaler should have been awarded the Order of Canada because abortion is such a divisive issue and he’d prefer the Order of Canada to bring Canadians together, not pull them apart. To that I say nuts. Just because Morgentaler tackled an issue that was downright explosive at times, doesn’t mean he should be any less worthy than someone who fought for a woman’s right to vote. Morgentaler was a pioneer who showed immeasurable guts, commitment and determination through his fight to earn women the right to make decisions over their own bodies. You can’t draw a line down the middle and say one accomplishment is more worthy than another just because one is a hot potato. That would cheapen the whole process. Category: Politics
I'll Say It Again July 3, 2008 @ 10:49
I take a pounding every time I write about Mats Sundin, because I have the audacity to have the opinion that I don’t think he’s the big wonderful hockey package that everyone else does. The one thing that keeps coming up is the comparison of Sundin against Dougie, Darryl and Wendel. Granted, at the end of the day I realize that Dougie, Darryl and Wendel didn’t bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto either, but to compare these three great Leafs to Mats Sundin when the money was on the line is insulting. When Dougie, Darryl and Wendel were on the ice during playoff runs, during those times when we silly Leaf fans actually thought we had a chance, they were dominant players. They gave their blood and guts. No, they didn’t take up to the promised land, but when there was even an inkling of glory before them, they performed like Mats Sundin never could. Sundin never carried the Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs. He never delivered in the crunch, it was always somebody else. Mats Sundin, no doubt, is a great hockey player. But he was far from the greatest Leaf and its time to move on. And I don’t care what anyone says, twenty million dollars over two years for this guy is complete and utter insanity. Category: Sports
Rick Hodge Is Popular July 3, 2008 @ 10:48
Since posting three pieces on Hodge last week, my unique visits have gone through the roof. If you google Rick Hodge, the FreddieP.ca posting are right near the top. From what I understand, Roger and Marilyn announced Hodge’s departure on their show yesterday, and this prompted major action on the internet, and FreddieP.ca was a benefactor of that. There’s still no official word on what Hodge will do with Astral media. We can only assume he’ll be part of CFRB which must have a few other people shaking in their boots up there. Further to that, Leslie Roberts announced that he’d be leaving his 10am to noon slot at ‘RB shortly, which leads to a whole other pile of speculation. I doubt Hodge would take that shift; because I imagine sports will continue to be his thing and that slot will not be all sports on CFRB. I’m sure Jim Richards would like to get off the evening shift, but his irreverence, intelligence and bizarre outlook on the world might be a little too much for CFRB listeners at that time of the day, even though its precisely what ‘RB needs at this point in its history. Other than that, I can’t imagine who they’ll plug into the slot. Hopefully CFRB will trail blaze a bit and stay away from someone extremely safe, or someone from outside of radio, one of those experts who has a lot of knowledge but has trouble communicating it. There seems to be a lot of that these days.
Category: Radio
Neighbour John Update July 3, 2008 @ 10:47
John took the whole family to Vegas, and among the activities was a wedding. To mark their 25th anniversary, John and his wife Ally repeated their vows in a little Vegas chapel on the strip. They also posed for this "Shrek" picture. Freddie, I just got bored a couple thousand feet up on the plane, and thought I would send ya a couple of pics from, the one and only, Neighbor John's Vegas Vacation. On a side note, I've been waiting on the waitress (oh no I said waitress), I meant the stewardess, and if she sees this we can bet I will never get my $6.00 can of warm Heiney. I don't mean to be nasty, but whoa, she was probably not bad looking - back in the 60's. Anyway, they are giving money away in Vegas, and I am gonna get me some. Here's the deal, if you bet on the Leafers to win Lord Stanley's mug, they will give you 40 to 1. So please, see the attached picture of me with my golden ticket in hand standing in front of the Vegas sign. And hey, it is just like taking candy from a baby! This is our year, GO Leafs GO!!!
This leads me to the next picture, inspired by Pete Rose, or as he should be known as Charlie Hustler, (what a goof). As we were walking through the fancy mall place, there Pete was, just sitting there in an overpriced memorabilia store in the heart of Vegas (a little ironic, I know). I'm actually not sure what I was expecting, but I had Mini Me with me so I just had to jump into my only Rose story. You know the one, All-star Game and smash, nail the back catcher. So, of course mini me is quite impressed that this guy is sitting only 4 feet away. As I tried to talk to Pete, I had to get in a line, (if three people even make a line). Anyway we spend seconds in this line and then we get taken out of it. It was one of those, you have to buy stuff to stand in this line- kind of line. As I pass him, I stuck out my hand right in his face, so he had to shake it. With little enthusiasm, he did. I told Pete how Mini Me likes the all-star story, and he just shrugs and ignores us- not impressed that I am talking to him for free. All of a sudden people that bought a bat show up, and we get the heeve hoe from the big shot. Okay, so I figure I might as well go check the price of a bat, and maybe get him talking to us. The price of the bat - $399, I don't think so. After all, a bat is not a hockey stick. It wasn't over yet though, so I figured I would take a look at the price of a baseball, and just maybe with a ball in hand we might get big Pete to talk to us. The turn out= $69 for a freakin' ball, no thanks. Anyway, I took this picture, and now, I just don't really want it. Anyway, the warm Heiney is on it's way. Hope all is well and remember: there is still Stella to be finished in the tiki Bar. Last picture the kids are still laughing, I don't get it!!! Oh and Remind me to tell you about Whitney Houston's driver, real goof but I got the parking spot, Haha!!!
Category: Neighbour John
Yesterday With Matt And Craig July 3, 2008 @ 10:46
Category: Radio
Who Is This Guy July 2, 2008 @ 09:03
If a team with a history of good, solid management had signed somebody like Jeff Finger to a four-year contract worth over 14 million dollars, you’d assume they’d done their due diligence and the reason for giving such an unknown player so much money would make sense eventually. But when the Leafs do it, the flags go up and the alarms go off. Jeff Finger is 28 years old and he’s played less than 100 games in the NHL. Last year in the playoffs he was a healthy scratch in five of the Colorado Avalanche’s ten playoff games. First of all, you have to wonder how the offer got so high, because it’s hard to image any other team even considering giving him so much money. Who were the Leafs bidding against? But more pressing is this question. How could anyone, including new head coach Ron Wilson be that impressed with somebody who’s played so little, that they’d give him a 700 percent raise over last year. Wilson and Cliff Fletcher can say all they want, they can pump this guy up to be the second coming of Bobby Orr, but as Leaf fans we’re reduced to scratching our heads again. Again, if it were the Red Wings or Devils who made a signing like this, you might actually be impressed. Because it’s the Leafs, you know its just the beginning of another disaster. What I can’t understand is the Brian Burke angle. Last week I was convinced he was sitting in the weeds calling the shots for the Leafs, now I’m not so sure.
Category: Sports
Too Much For Too Little July 2, 2008 @ 09:02
The Vancouver Canucks have offered Mats Sundin twenty million dollars over two years. I’ve got to say, if this happens, from my perspective it will be the biggest waste of money in NHL history. Ten million dollars a season for a 38 year old player who’s not sure he really wants to play anymore. Even in his prime, Mats Sundin never really accomplished much in Toronto, so an offer of twenty million dollars over two years, actually makes the Finger signing look better. Category: Sports
Thanks For Nothing July 2, 2008 @ 09:01
You’ve made even more people feel a little shittier about where they live. The mentality really blows me away. Can you imagine being invited to a barbeque at somebody’s house and part of your preparation is packing a gun? Who are these mental midgets? One hundred people show up to a party, presumably to have a fun time and some good food, but somebody ends up dead in the backyard from a bullet wound to the head. What kind of a world do you live in that this is the consequence for a dispute. That you pull a gun amongst a crowd of innocent people and fire away with no conscience. It happens too often and it really isn’t fair. It isn’t fair to those are law abiding citizens, it isn’t fair to other people who live on the street and shouldn’t have to worry about bullets flying through their neighborhood, and it isn’t fair to the majority of a certain culture who aren’t responsible for this crap. And there’s other fallout. How could you blame anyone for being intimidated by certain gatherings on their street, given the frequency of these shootings?
Category: Stuff
The Trailer - Canada Day Weekend July 2, 2008 @ 09:00
We combined the countries birthday with the 50th birthdays of our good friends Jerry Richard, Dan Duran and Jill Ramsay. We gave er’ Other than that, we did what most people did; we danced around the weird weather. Right up until Tuesday, the weather in Kawartha changed every ten minutes. From beautiful sunshine and warmth, to grey ugly unsettled skies that brought frequent bouts of rain. But we made the most of it and yesterday I finally got to uncover my boat for the first time in a couple of weeks and it was nice to get the little skiff out on the water and have some fun. I should also mention a flu bug I had over the weekend. Apparently, it’s going around, so beware. No runs, no vomiting, just a nauseous feeling with achy joints. I took Gravol which seemed to help a bit, but it wasn’t until I popped a couple of Advil Liqui-Gels that things were brought under control. All in all it was a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends celebrating a wonderful country. Life is good.
Category: The Trailer
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Matt was on holidays, so it was actually Craig and Adelle. We talk Houseboats in Buckhorn, Beijing and a quick Sundin hit.
I’ve got to admit, I’m amazed at the lack of juicy issues that have been in the news lately.
I haven’t been writing a lot of things of any depth on my website lately, and the explanation is simple.
The unsettled weather continued to blow through the Kawarthas, but it was still a good weekend.
That didn't last long.
I was anointed late afternoon on Wednesday, July 23 by Jordan and Josh Bonchek, the two children of our good friends Dan and Tracy.
I guess this can be considered another breakthrough for FreddieP.ca. 
Last week when I was listening to the John Oakley Show, as I often do, I didn't jump for the dial as I often do when movie reviewer Chris Alexander came one.
Mats Sundin and Paul McCartney.
Delyse and I didn't arrive until late Saturday afternoon because we wanted to do a bunch of stuff around the house before settling in paradise for the better part of the next two weeks.
NHL schedule and more Steven Page.
I won't be posting anything until later today because I spent the night at my buddy Doug's.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote 
I’m embroiled in my own little personal dilemma right now. It deals with the ten to noon slot on two radio stations.
I find the older I get, the less interested I am in the Toronto Maple Leafs. That's because the older I get, the longer I've been around to see how this organization screws with its fans.
Yesterday I wrote 
I got involved in the Facebook thing some time ago but to the chagrin of several of my friends, but I’ll tell you, it’s come in handy.
A low key weekend. 
My wife Delyse and our neighbour Ally spent about half an hour this morning sitting in my car in the driveway. 
Thanks everybody for all the birthday wishes yesterday, both on the blog and through Facebook.
When you get right down to it, I guess the citizens of Toronto should be glad that David Miller has announced he’ll run again for mayor in 2010.
The Toronto Star sure didn’t disappoint with its handling of Stephen Harper’s performance at the G8 Summit in Tokyo.
In passing yesterday, I heard someone mention Canadian idol, and then when I became part of the conversation it unfolded like so many others.
Starting next Tuesday, the blabbering of this blogger will be heard across Southern Alberta on a weekly basis.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we should be proud of our Prime Minister’s stand on climate change.
This is my friend Mike Kimber. He’s sitting on Dan Duran’s dock, enjoying a wonderful day in paradise.
I have only one posting this morning because I have to dash out of the house early for a big day.
I notice that Toronto Mike, because of Mats Sundin, has mentioned me on his 
Wow. This Rick Hodge guy is pretty popular.
Neighbour John was in Vegas over the past few days, and he compiled this e-mail 37 thousand feet in the air.
If the Jersey Devils had done it, if the Detroit Red Wings had done it, or even if the Carolina Hurricanes had done it, you might be impressed.
As crazy as the Finger signing is, there’s something else that could happen in the NHL in the next few days that could be considered even more ridiculous.
I’d like to thank the asshole or asshole’s who couldn’t go to a house party in Brampton on Monday night without taking a gun.
We had another fine Canada Day weekend at the trailer. The party took place on Saturday night, and I’m happy to report nobody brought a gun. Imagine that?
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