Endorsements

Viral Growth

February 29, 2008 @ 08:45

This facebook posting by Tim Artuchov was brough to my attention recently and displays how a website grows.

"Some of you should remember The Humble and Fred Show very well. If not let me give you a brief summary.
While most people were stuck listening to crappy morning radio in the late 1980's and through to 2001, there was The Humble and Fred Show on CFNY 102.1. It was not only hilarious and had great hosts, but a supporting cast that made you enjoy radio.
Fred Patterson, who now guests on various TV and radio shows is also a blogger who sometimes pisses me off with his conservative rants, but also entertains and sometimes surprises me with his posts.

Here is a recent one that I really appreciated. You can check out his website at www.freddiep.ca"

Thanks Tim. I put a log of work into this site. I figure if you're going to do it, you might as well put some effort into it.

Rather than fill it with useless crap off the internet or nothing but a steady stream of boring shit about myself.

Category: Endorsements

John Derringer Checks In

December 21, 2007 @ 08:50

Every so often I receive e-mails from people in the radio industry and it’s much appreciated.

Earlier this week I received this e-mail from John Derringer at Q-107 and to tell you the truth it made me fell pretty good.

Fred, thanks for the kind words on your blog.

It's an excellent read, I get to it daily.

take care,
JD

Short but sweet because I admire John for the radio show he’s created and his take on most issues. We sort of think alike.

Anyway, on that note I thought I’d share this with you. It was listener e-mail Derringer received yesterday morning and it pretty well says it all.

To All My Liberal/NDP Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Canada great. Not to imply that Canada is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only free country in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Conservative Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Category: Endorsements | Radio

E-mail

December 20, 2007 @ 08:53

Hi Fred,

Let me tell you how nice it is to hear you back on the radio, I hope this leads to a full time gig for you because you deserve it.

I don't know if anyone has ever told you, but Jason Barr sounds so much like you in his mannerisms on the radio. It really is something.

About eight or nine years ago you did a recording to the tune of Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger which was about the Leafs. It was damn brilliant and I hope you can post it on your website.

The Mr. Goohead postings reminded me of a time when I truly loved morning radio. What I would give to hear old podcasts of The Humble Report, Uncle Vince and Mr. Goohead one more time.

I'd love to have a beer sometime and thanks for making The Bill Watters Show that much better!

Tim Artuchov

Category: Endorsements

George Bryson Checks In

November 15, 2007 @ 09:30

An old friend checked into Freddiep.ca this week. It's George Bryson who worked at Barries CKVR-TV before joining CFTO in the 90's before heading back to Barrie.

George works for Rogers now and checked in with this e-mail.

Hey Fred,
Just found your website recently and its great. I guess I must have been living on the moon or something.
Great to catch up on a lot of people I worked with and got to know during years in Barrie and Toronto. In this business people just seem to disappear.
Just an update on my situation, I got the escort out the front door at A-Channel in Barrie or what ever they are calling it this week (another re-branding is coming next spring or fall, you heard it here first). The stations move into Vaughan and York regions was a colossal failure, not surprisingly, and as a result, 22 of us got pink slipped.
After a great summer off I am now at Rogers Television reading news on our 6:00 cast. I'm having a great time moving from sports to news and am working about four or five hours a day. I love this semi retired life.
Just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for something you probably don't remember.
In the early 80's I applied for a sports job at CFNY. Didn't get it because you hired Mike Hanifin instead. Thank you. Things actually worked out for the better. It is not often we are happy about not getting a job.
Thank you for recognizing that I was completely under-qualified and un-talented for the job.
Again thanks for this site, it is great, and I will keep checking in.

George Bryson

Category: Endorsements | Television

Mark Hebscher Checks In

September 19, 2007 @ 09:16

Freddie P.

"You might want to consider a career in politics after thoroughly thrashing NDP MPP Andrea Horwath in the Tim Hortons debate.

According to many of our viewers, Andrea's constant interrupting only proved that she has no respect for others, much like those students who are causing problems at Timmy's.

You, my friend, held your own against this wily provincial representative.

Thank goodness you weren't in the same studio with her, or there may have been a good old fashioned fistfight. Now THAT would have been something to see.

Keep up the good work"
Hebsy

Category: Endorsements | Television

Donna Skelly Checks In

September 18, 2007 @ 09:34

Last week I appeared on "Live at 5:30" on "E" Television and to tell you the truth, it was my most passionate appearance yet.

The subject was "Tim Horton's vs. The Students."

Last week in the northwest Toronto a Tim Horton's manager banned students from a local high school between one and four in the afternoon. They were allowed to buy product, they just couldn't stay and enjoy it.

Needless to say this started an onslaught of opinion and I was asked to come on television and give mine.

To tell you the truth, going in I wasn't that passionate, but the other guest on the show rubbed me the wrong way. It was Hamilton East NDP MPP Andrea Horwath.

As expected she took the side of the kids arguing typical NDP stuff about fairness and human rights without having any regard for the businessman, but that was OK.

I understood her position and to some point I respect it. What I didn't like was the way she wouldn't let me talk and used an old political ploy of interrupting me in the middle of rational point.

That's what got me pissed and that's what launched me into a loud defense of the Tim Horton's manager who was forced to actually turn away business because of the rude behaviour of some teenagers.

Kids who crowd the store, use fowl language and leave a mess.

I started singing my "bad parenting" song and chastised Horwath for finding more excuses for some of today's more unruly youth.

When it was over I have to admit, I wondered if I had gone too far, but the people on the set readily agreed with my position when the cameras were turned off and I received several supportive e-mails on my website.

This is a funny country when it comes to this type of television. Canadians tend to be reserved and hold back their emotions on issues and although it may be polite, it doesn't make for very good television.

Anyway, yesterday I received this e-mail from the lovely and talented Donna Skelly, co-host of "Live at 5:30."

Hi Fred: "I wanted to let you know we had 17 voicemails regarding the Tim Horotons interview, all but one agreed with you. I haven't gone through the emails yet... but it looks like you really touched a nerve.

It was nice seeing you again."

Donna

Category: Endorsements | Television

E-mail

September 11, 2007 @ 07:00

Fred,
I'm in the middle of finishing a huge project and I just spent a good two hours reading your site and passing coffee out of my nose to the sound of Mr. Goohead. At this rate, I'll never get my book done for Wednesday, but I'm happy about it. Sheesh.
Just wondering what the background song is played during the goohead show.
I'd love to hear the cable company Mr. Goohead where you called to get "My TV." The woman's reaction was priceless and I just about drove in the ditch laughing at that on my way to work one day.
We miss you Fred. I'm glad I can continue to find out what you're up to with FreddieP. CFNY was a huge part of my life. It was the soundtrack of my teen years, of drawing and reading late into the night, and of meeting the woman who would become my wife. I still remember the song that was playing on CFNY the moment my sister passed away, and years later when my father passed away. I even remember listening to it the day my daughter was born on the way to the hospital. I know you hear that all the time, but it's true. You were always a big part of the spirit of CFNY. When you and Humble left much of that spirit left. I've mostly been listening to Indie 103.1 from L.A.. It reminds me of the olden days of the Spirit of Radio.

David Okum

Thanks David.

The music played under Goohead is licensed Vivaldi from the CFNY music library.

Because you like the episode so much I dug it up last night and here it is.. however its needs some explaining.

Several years ago Rogers Cable offered a package called "Me TV". You could design your own channel lineup for $5.99 a month.

Of course Mr. Goohead was mixed up so he called Rogers.

I should also explain that this took place during the Monika Lewinski/ Bill Clinton controversey.

It takes about 15 seconds to download.

Category: Endorsements

Peter Gross Checks In

July 11, 2007 @ 09:39

Way back in January I made this posting about Peter Gross who had just been named morning sportscaster on 680 News.

Peter responded some time ago, but for some reason I didn't see his posting until last night.

Fred,

"At a high school reunion, I was told of your kind comments on this blog. Being a man of no small ego, I had to read for myself and since your words were a few months old, I had to scroll through many other submissions to get to the stuff that pertained to me.

I find it all wonderful stuff. Your long term involvement with the media gives you a perspective that few have and it's fascinating to get your angle on this business. It's incredible ( yet sadly, somewhat typical) that a guy like you does not have a mainstream position on air somewhere - what is it about this industry that eats people up and spits them out?

I am so thrilled to be back with 680news and Rogers. My latest tenure with CITY-TV (2000-2004) informed me just what a great company Rogers Broadcasting is (and feel free to read between the lines!).

680News has some terrific people, many of whom I see you are referring to. I really enjoy the concept that I come to work each morning and the only thing that really matters is the work and there are so many great individuals - Paul Cook, Lisa Brandt, Rudy Blair, Scott Metcalfe, John Hinnen, Anne Lavrih, Mike Eppel - who are supportive, creative and explicitly clear about the overall objective.

Which is to make great radio.

Fred - good luck to you and I will be 'subscribing' to your blog on a regular basis."

Category: Endorsements | Radio

Nice E-mail

April 6, 2007 @ 08:10

Here's a contribution from a former listener and frequent visitor to Freddiep.ca.

Stuff like this really makes a guy feel good.

Hey Fred.

"Been listen'en since back-in-the day (The Scott Show, you did sports and Stafford did news, with a commentary from Woloshyn?)and LOVE YOUR SITE!!!!.
Another old-time "NY'ER" from way back tuned me into it (along with the "Spirit of Radio" site, which I also dig)
Think you nail all the shit thats relevant right on the head, a spade as a spade, as it were. Some days when I get caught up, it seems like I'm reading my own thoughts.
Keep up the good work, keep voicing the voice of the "average joe" (who just happens to be the majority out here).
I'm telling everyone with a brain to check you out.
Baby C'mon! 41 year old 2 kid hard working "joe" now living in Guelph."

Tim

Category: Endorsements

Another Nice E-mail

April 6, 2007 @ 08:09

Freddie P.

"About half way through your Short Story, I thought you had died ! Nice to hear you recovered in the end.
Love all the variety on your site. Short stories, political views, debates, varied opinions, entertainment, pop culture, sports, and more. It's a treat everyday.
Thanks for all your hard work and all the daily entertainment you deliver".

Brampton Bob

Category: Endorsements

Bourque Newswatch

March 29, 2007 @ 09:05

It's a great day for FreddieP.ca. I've been graciously added to the list of "Top Bloggers" on the Bourque Newswatch, Canada's foremost source of online information.

Not just anybody can make the Bourque list - you have to meet certain criteria, and FreddieP.ca has made the grade.

If you're a news junkie and love politics, give the Bourque Newswatch a click.

Category: Endorsements | Politics

Gene Valaitis Checks In From Southern Cal

March 28, 2007 @ 10:02

Fred,

"I've just caught up on what's been happening back at home thanks to your wonderful blog-o-la and it hit me. Toronto is living in some sort of strange time warp where nothing changes.

It's been more than 4 years since I left Toronto for Hong Kong, Dallas and now California, but I could have easily dated items from this week's Freddie P Blog from 3 or 4 or even 5 years ago.

Think about it. Here they are in a "nutshell"

-The Leaf suck
-Mats Sundin makes a lot of money, but see the above point
-Leaf Management blows it again. This time with Rick Vaive
-An NHL player is knocked out in a fight and people wonder out loud if
fighting in the NHL will ever stop. Within weeks or another good fight we
could care less
-Restaurant Reviewer Chris Zelkovich is still writing about sports media
which makes as much sense as William Houston in The Globe who hasn't left
his basement in years
-Another election in Quebec? Are you kidding me? Stop it, I'm killing
myself laughing. Outside of the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec City
corridor, no one covers it or gives a crap
-God Bless Stormin Norman. He continues to outlast everyone of us who
wishes we could still make a killer pay cheque in radio
-John Oakley remains one of the most intelligent, talented, articulate,
word-smiths in radio who can't get an audience
-I suppose Peter Mansbridge is still hosting The National
and I would hope by now that CITY-TV finally has a blind reporter

What year is it???????????"

-Thanks as always for your GREAT Blog-

Gene

Category: Endorsements | Radio

Barks Checks In

March 18, 2007 @ 08:23

Bruce Barker is one of the most lovable broadcasters in Canada.

He spent most of his career in Toronto at various stations, but now finds himself as the morning man at Cam-fm in Camrose, Alberta.

Bruce is also the arena announcer for the Toronto Rock and travels all the way from Camrose for their home games.

Last night he was in town for the Rock games against Colorado, and while here he paid a visit to FreddieP.ca.

He commented on this posting and then told me about something he did on the PA last night.

"This new style sucks, cause I won't be getting any more size 60 goalie cut jerseys to wear.
56 will be the biggest.

Oh, by the way Fred, I did a "Baby Come On!" after one of the Rock goals tonight at the ACC on the P.A."

Loving you,
BB

Loving you too Barks.

Category: Endorsements | Sports

Gene Valaitis Checks In

March 1, 2007 @ 10:09

I received this note from Gene Valaitis yesterday.

Fred:

I just discovered your blog thanks to the Lee Eckley posting about The Police. This is great Fred. I'm adding it to my daily read.

I live in California now and I'm a suit and tie guy way out of radio, but I love reading the SOWNY radio board and keeping track of who suddenly decides to, er ah, "RETIRE". And now I read your site. All the best-Gene Valaitis

For those of you interested, Jesse and Gene have their own website.

Category: Endorsements

Radio Vet Lee Eckley Checks In

February 28, 2007 @ 08:00

Yesterday I had a posting called "The Evolution of Rock and Roll" and it rubbed somebody the wrong way.

In the posting I said this "Talk about the evolution of rock and roll. I remember back in the early 80's Q-107 listeners would often accuse CFNY of playing nothing but "fag" bands and the Police were near the top of the list.

It didn't take long before I got a response from Toronto radio veteran Lee Eckley who wrote this.

Category: Endorsements | Radio

Thankyou Everyone

February 27, 2007 @ 08:35

I'd like to thank everyone for responding to the new FreddieP.ca yesterday. It was great to hear from so many.

Like Bruce Barker, James Edgar, Andy Wilson, Ivar Hamilton, Kevin O'Leary, Fred Ball, Donny Patterson and Phil Evans who thinks there should be more boobies on the sight. All these people are near and dear to my heart.

Category: Endorsements

Jim Lang Checks In

February 21, 2007 @ 10:49

Part of the fun of doing this blog is getting reaction from people - and I especially like it when I hear from people I used to work with.

Jim Lang was the sportscaster on MOJO when I was there and now he's one of the main players on Rogers Sportsnet and he was kind enough to send along this note.

"Fred - I've said before and I will say it again - your website is freaking awesome... I love your rants... Maybe if someone in this country had a clue they would extend this gold to a wider audience."

Jim calls home-runs slobberknockers. And I like that.

Category: Endorsements

Venn Checks In

February 19, 2007 @ 09:01

Craig Venn checked in from Windsor. He listened to the Humble and Fred Podcast of Love and liked it. He really liked it.

Craig anchors the morning show at a Classic Rock Station in Windsor and is having a great time.

Craig and I have a special bond that very few can appreciate. Both of us have lived most of our lives in Brampton.

Category: Endorsements | Radio

John C. Gallagher Checks In

February 15, 2007 @ 16:36

Add John Gallagher to the list of regular visitors to freddiep.ca. Spike gave me a call yesterday to say hello and tell me how impressed he is with my tiki bar.

Gallagher has a long and impressive history of sportscasting in Toronto with Q-107 and CITY-TV but currently finds himself in the same situation as me. He's without work.

John's been out of the game for four and a half months since leaving the Rock in Oshawa and says he's getting stir crazy. I know what that's all about.

Gallagher says he's networking and investigating with the hopes of getting back into the saddle soon, and I'm sure there are a lot of fans out there who will be glad when that happens.

Category: Endorsements | Radio

Leafs Lunch

January 12, 2007 @ 09:32

Yesterday I wrote about MRI's and how professional athletes in Canada get quicker access to them than the average Joe does.

How is it that some nobody with a bad shoulder has to wait upwards of six months for an MRI, while somebody like Ian White of the Maple Leafs got one the next day after injuring his shoulder on Tuesday night?

I called my buddy Chicken Shwarma who's producer of Leafs Lunch to ask him if he could run the question by Bill Watters. Watters as you know was assistant general manager of the Leafs for several years.

Yesterday on the show, host Jeff Marek not only asked the question of Watters, he also gave freddiep.ca a nice plug. Have a listen.

Thanks boys.

Category: Endorsements | Radio

Jimberly Checks In

December 15, 2006 @ 13:31

Another guy who checked in with some kind words this week was Jim Richards .

He does the evening show at CFRB. Have you heard it? If you're one of those people who thinks you're too young for â€˜RB, think again. Listen to CFRB after 8pm.

Jim does a show that's very un-CFRB. Very funny, very irreverent. As a matter of fact, Jim's show would fit nicely into am drive on an FM station.

Not in Canada of course. In Canada we're somewhat behind the times, but in the States most morning shows, regardless of the format, don't play music in the morning. They've come to the conclusion that people don't really need their radios for music any more so they let their talent talk.

Jim Richards would be perfect for such a format.

Have you got a green card Jim?

Category: Endorsements | Radio

He Likes It

September 13, 2006 @ 17:04

While I was at CH TV yesterday, Bill Carroll just happened to be there and he offered this.

Unsolicited, Bill said "Hey Freddie, I really like your website."