Paul ONeil's blog
Victoria Banks celebrates with Saskatchewan's Country artisits, join us!
Canadian Country songwriter/musician Victoria Banks is appearing during the SCMA's, held at Casino Regina's Show Lounge, Sunday, April 18th! Come and show your support fo the 2010 SCMA's!
It's only $26.00 to attend!
Get tickets here: http://www.casinoregina.com/entertainment/calendar/view/222/59
Who and what is the Saskatchewan Country Music Association? click here: www.scma.sk.ca
Meet the stars in YOUR back yard! Regian to host the SCMA's!
Regina to host the 2010 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards
Regina, SK - February 23, 2010 - The Regina and Southern Saskatchewan Country Music Association is excited to announce that Regina will be the host for the 2010 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. The awards weekend will take place April 16th - 18th. All events will be held at the Regina Inn with the exception of the awards show, which will take place in the Casino Regina Show Lounge.
Many industry professionals and Saskatchewan country artists will be in Regina this weekend to celebrate the achievements in the Saskatchewan country music industry this past year. Among the special guests will be multi-award winning Canadian singer/songwriter Victoria Banks.
Victoria has penned songs for many Nashville and Canadian artists alike; writing songs that produced top 40 Country radio play from Sara Evans, actress/singer Jessica Simpson and many others. In Canada alone she contributed to the careers of One More Girl, Diane Chase and is responsible for a top ten hit song from Johnny Reid with power ballad "Dance with Me". Victoria Banks has her own CD project out, and has been celebrating success as a vocalist with the release of "When You Can Fly" in 2009. Three singles have emerged from her album and have released to radio to date while her fourth single will hit radio in a few weeks.
The Saskatchewan Country Music Association is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the promotion, development and enhancement of all aspects of Saskatchewan country music at the local, national, and international level. The SCMA endeavours to create venues for the promotion of Saskatchewan country artists through sponsorship of its own events, such as the annual SCMA Awards, and involvement in other organizations' events.
All events that take place during the awards weekend are open to the general public. These events include seminars, showcases, the industry awards banquet and the annual awards show. A full listing of events can be found at http://www.scma.sk.ca/. Tickets for the Awards Show are available through the Casino Regina Box Office. Individual tickets for all other events during the awards weekend or delegate passes (including a ticket to the awards show) are available on the SCMA website (http://www.scma.sk.ca/). Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for each event.
Meet Regina's up and comer - Jasmine Paige
Meet Jasmine Paige!
We chatted with her on Friday! I am sure you will hear more from her!
- Listen to her music, and learn more:
http://jasminepaige.squarespace.com/
Jaydee Bixby cover's Tom Cochrane's "BOY INSIDE THE MAN"
In the late summer of 1986 if you were listening to pop or rock radio, you would have heard the song "Boy Inside the Man", and if you have wondered, wait.. I KNOW this song.. well then, yes you do!
Maybe you still have the cassette tape;
This self-titled 1986 album was Cochrane's fifth studio album with Red Rider and the first using his name as part of the band's name. The Tom Cochrane & Red Rider album achieved Platinum sales status in Canada for sales of more than 100,000 copies. It included the hit singles "Boy Inside The Man", The Untouchable One", "Ocean Blues" and "One More Time". The album earned Cochrane two Juno Awards for Composer of the Year and Group of the Year. (from Wikipedia)
Enjoy the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXY9wANQIsY
Got the acting urge? Don't dream, just act!
Ever wanted to join? YOU can..Regina born actress Tatiana Maslany did!
http://www.reginalittletheatre.com/involved.php
The link above can show you how YOU can get involved, and expand your horizons!
Academy of Contry Music.. you can vote for newcomers!
ACM AWARDS ANNOUNCES FAN-VOTED NEWCOMER CATEGORIES, NOMINEES
For the second year in a row, the three newcomer awards at the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards will be voted on by fans. Under the new category names of Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Duo and Top New Vocal Group, fans may cast their vote for this year's winner online at VoteACM.com beginning on February 26th.
This year's nominees in those categories are:
Top New Solo vocalist- Luke Bryan
- Jamey Johnson
- Chris Young
- Bomshel
- Joey + Rory
- Steel Magnolia
- Eli Young Band
- Gloriana
- The Lost Trailers
- Fan voting will close on March 12th.
- The winner in each category will be announced in mid-March and will move on to compete for Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist category will run from April 1st through April 18th at VoteACM.com.
- The winner will be announced live during the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast on CBS on April 18th.
- The complete list of nominees for the ACM Awards will be announced in February.
Regina image in the opening credits for the Big Bang Theory!
REGINA - If you're quick enough with the pause button, you can see a historic scene from Regina included in the sequence of images played at the start of each episode of the CBS show "The Big Bang Theory".
Back in 1885, O.B. Buell took the photograph of The Leader building. The Leader, a predecessor to the Leader-Post, was started by Nicholas Flood Davin in 1883.
The photo is part of collection put together by Christopher Robinson, who was among the Crown attorneys that prosecuted Louis Riel in Regina in 1885. Buell also took a number of photos pertaining to the trial and the Northwest Rebellion.
The collection was donated to National Archives of Canada in 1977 by a descendant of Robinson.
It's not known why CBS chose to use the photo or how it came across it. The National Archives has no restrictions on its use, but does ask that it and the photographer be credited when the image is used.
Radio Star Regional Finalist - Val Halla
She is from Regina, and is our Regional Finalist for Radiostar, A National Songwriting contest!
Check out her music here: www.valhallaonline.com
www.myspace.com/myspacemusicvalhalla
Val is competing in Toronto in March, and as our regional finalist, she wins:
- GARRISION AGGC KOA-CE Acoustic Guitar
- SENNHEISER Studio/Live package including: E865 condenser vocal microphone, stand, cable, and HD280 professional headphones
- YAMAHA Pocketrak 2G with 3 hours Pcm Recording with Tilt-up Stereo Microphone
- 2 ½" Carving Leather Guitar Strap w/ foam padding and garment leather backing form LEVY'S LEATHERS LIMITED
- PLANET WAVES Custom Pro Series Instrument Cable
- PLANET WAVES S.O.S Tuner
- EXP Coated 80/20 Light Gauge D'ADDARIO Strings
- An all-expense paid weekend at the FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK HOTEL TORONTO March 12 - 14, 2009 Delegate passes to CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK CONFERENCE AND CANDIAN MUSIC FEST 2010
- One-on-one mentoring sessions with some of successful songwriters and music industry professionals.
- Opportunity to perform at the CANADIAN MUSIC FEST March 12 to 14th, 2010
- a one-year subscription to CANADIAN MUSICIAN magazine
Good Luck Val!
Eric Tillman resignes from the Roughriders
CEO Jim Hopson audio, click here
Eric Tillman audio
Part 1
Part 2
The audio is from CTV.
Olympic Torch arrives in the Queen City this weekend..
Regina is flat, and as such you can see out of the city for along way, on clear days, you can see as far as the horizon will allow, and on Sunday, if your looking Eastward, you'll want to train your eyes on the Torch relay. It's almost here!
The torch will be coming from Yorkton down Hwy 10, and along the Trans Canada in to the city on Victoria Ave.
http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/olympic-torch-relay/olympic-torch-relay-interactive-map/
Click on the link above to see the route, and estimated arrival times!
By clicking below, you will be able see the schedule of events:
http://www.regina.ca/Page4298.aspx
We may never get another chance in our lifetimes to witness a torch relay again! Enjoy the spirit and yes.. Believe!
What's open this week..what's closed.. EVERYTHING REGINA!
City of Regina Holiday Schedule - Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
Saddest Christmas song ever!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZMEXlHUQ0w
Panic at The Flu Clinic?
Is it hype or is factual..
Decide if Harvard's school has created an I-phone app that is benificial or will cause fear mongering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dROh3QrywaI&feature=player_embedded
His Garthness is out of Retirement!
The concerts begin December 11, 2009. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, October 24, at 8am PT.
GARTH BROOKS IS OUT OF RETIREMENT, AND WEEKEND IN VEGAS CAN GET YOU AT A GARTH SHOW AT THE WYNN CASINO!
THE INFO:
- Hotel owner Steve Wynn said "evasive action" has been taken to keep tickets out of the hands of scalpers. Tickets will only be available for pick-up at Will Call after 12 noon on the day of the concert and a valid photo ID will need to be shown, along with the actual credit card used for payment. Under no circumstance will tickets be distributed in advance. All ticket sales will be final, non-refundable and non-transferable. If you buy 'em, you're the only one using 'em.
Tickets are $125 (USD) plus a $5 service charge and a $13 tax to equal a total of $143 (USD).
Confirmed Concert Dates: - December 11, 12, 13
- January 1, 2, 3 and 22, 23, 24
- February 12, 13, 14 and 26, 27, 28
• Concert times:
- Friday 8pm
- Saturday 8pm & 10:30pm
- Sunday 8pm
- A new set of dates will be announced every quarter, giving Garth a chance to look ahead at his daughters' school schedules to plan off weekends.
• Tickets may be booked by calling 702-770-7469 or online at WynnLasVegas.com/boxoffice. A limit of six tickets per order or per person or per credit card.
So umm, Road trip...anyone?
Paul
World Junior Hockey Presale!
Regina packages starting at $125
Saskatoon starting at $199 Medal/Relegation Round
starting at $499
(all prices do not include service charges)
Presale starts:
Tues, Oct 6 @12pm
Presale ends:
Wed, Oct 7 @10pm
Use Password: HOCKEY
Buy your tickets at: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/World-Junior-Hockey-Championships-tickets/artist/936400
The 2010 Olympic Torch route! Coming to a place near me and you!
Hey there The Olympic Torch makes it's way towards the Coast, and The link above takes you the cool, interactive route map!
PS, the Torch is in Regina on January 9th (day 72 of the run)
Simon writes a "Letter to he"
SIMON SAYS...
Happy Birthday to me... with a letter to himself!
Dear Simon,
First things first, how are you? On second thoughts, don't answer that. I know exactly how you are feeling. It is the early Nineties and you are frustrated, exhausted and worried sick. Life at this moment is not great. Yet just a few years ago, you felt like you were the king of the world!
However, your dazzling reign turned out to be rather short-lived, to say the least. The record label you co-owned went bust and you lost everything - the big house, the car, everything.
So the sun went down on your shiny empire and you had to go back to living with Mum and Dad. That was, as I am sure you and I agree, humbling to say the least. Yet what is harder - much harder - is trying to claw your way back up the ladder.
Empire builder: Simon Cowell fought his way back from financial ruin to create some of the world's most successful TV shows
You are lucky in some ways because at least you've managed to get yourself another job, running a small label within a company called BMG. However, you have gone from being your own boss to being back on the payroll again.
And what I can see now is that you are a circle inside a square. You stick out in that workplace like a very sore thumb.
Record labels can be horrible places to work. You have to wear the right T-shirts, you have to wear the right badges and obviously you have to sign the coolest bands. You are doing none of these things. You are distinctly Not Cool.
Everyone knows you have lost your company, so you don't exactly have a glowing reputation. You are depressed and your confidence is in shreds.
You feel that everyone is laughing at you behind your back. Do you want to know something, Simon? That's because they are.
You have this idea about television. In some strange way, you vaguely grasp that at some point television is going to play an incredibly important role in your future.
And in an industry where everyone sells their records primarily through radio, you are just beginning to work out that if you sell them through television instead, there could be an incredible business. A very profitable business.
You can clearly see the sales potential in marketing Power Rangers, the World Wrestling Foundation and puppets Zig and Zag. Yet your colleagues think you are a freak. Or worse.
One day you are walking through the building for a meeting with one of the bosses. As you turn the corner towards his office, you hear his temporary PA ask him: 'What does Simon Cowell do in this company?' The boss answers: 'Whatever is s*** in this company, that is what Simon Cowell does.'
And just as he says it, you walk into his room. It is a terrible moment for you (and for him!). To this day, you cannot forget it.
You look at him, he looks at you; it is hard to say who is more mortified. You say nothing but inside you are thinking: 'My God, is that what he really thinks of me?'
So people just see you as the puppet guy. 'Hey, Simon, signed any more puppets today?' they snigger in the corridors.
And later, when you try to sign Robson and Jerome, the stars of the TV drama series Soldier, Soldier, it gets even worse. Virtually the whole company turns against you. They think you have totally lost it.
They insist you have missed the moment, they argue that you cannot invest all this money in something that is never going to work.
Luckily you trusted your own instincts. Robson and Jerome's version of Unchained Melody will give you your first No1 and become one of the bestselling singles of all time.
More than this, it will pave the way into your future. It changes everything for you. But this is all some way off yet. At the moment, Simon, I am afraid, you must continue to suffer.
Older and wiser: Simon Cowell after cementing his fame in the U.S. with American Idol
Let's go back eight years. What is really bugging you? You think that it is all over for you because you fear that the music industry is a young man's business. Ironically, you will learn when you are much older that the opposite is true. Yet you think that if you haven't made it before the age of 40 you will never make it. Inside, you are panicky.
To compensate and cover up for this, your brain starts overselling the mediocre records you are now producing.
When they inevitably fail, you get angry and start blaming people and bleating. You say it wasn't a hit because the radio campaign was terrible, the publicity strategy was a fiasco.
This is all nonsense, of course. Much much later, you will understand that if the record is great, the record is great. And when it's rubbish, it's rubbish. Very little can stop a good record from becoming a hit.
And you have also made the classic mistake of surrounding yourself with yes men to shore up your crumbling ego. I don't mean to be rude, but could you make an even bigger balls-up of things if you tried?
Even from a distance of 20 years or so, I still think about you at this time. Simon, I feel your frustration as you run around like a headless chicken.
I vividly remember one day - it seems just like yesterday - when you are driving into work through the London rain from your mum's house to those offices by the river, to the company where no one will take you seriously.
It is not yet 9am, yet your knuckles on the steering wheel are already white with tension and anger. You notice this, and it disturbs you.
'What is happening to me?' you ask yourself.
If I could speak to you now, I wish I could tell you not to worry so much. I wish I could let you know that everything is going to turn out fine. In fact, Simon, you have absolutely no idea of just how fine it is going to be. But I can't help you now. You just have to get on with it yourself.
How did you get into this mess? To find out, we have to wind back the clock even further, all the way back to the Eighties.
In those days, you think you are a hot-shot with your own record label, Fanfare Records. You have big hits with a few artists, primarily with Sinitta, who is also your girlfriend. You are on a roll and think that the good times will last for ever but, oh dear, Simon. You are so, so wrong.
Look at you. You look like a complete idiot. Could you be any worse? You are about as bad an example of Eighties' excess as you could possibly be.
You are overconfident, far too cocky and dressed from head to toe in expensive designer gear. Armani and Versace. Oh, nothing but the best for you Simon! It hasn't dawned on you yet, you idiot, that you can't afford any of this stuff.
Runaway success: Simon Cowell with fellow X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole
You believe that everything is just going to get bigger and bigger and that you are an intrinsic part of it all. You are up there, riding so high, that you cannot see what is really happening.
What the hell is that outside your interior designed, four-bedroom house in Fulham? Please don't tell me it is a Porsche? Doh! Of course it is, what else could it be? You are driving a Porsche because everyone did in those days.
And yours is a white convertible, the ultimate executive rock'n'roll cliche. Stop it, Simon. This is embarrassing. You are making me cringe.
The worst thing is, what I think now is that you haven't earned the right to be driving around in a car like that.
You are too shallow and self-obsessed to appreciate the proper beauty of the car. That kind of discernment and perceptiveness will eventually come to you, but it is a long way off.
To you, back then, your Porsche was nothing more than a 150mph status symbol. And you had it for one reason only - to try to impress the chicks!
How were you funding all this? You were doing exactly what every other yuppie fool did in those days, which was to borrow the money.
Back then, banks were prepared to give their more gullible customers anything. They would phone up to encourage you to borrow more. They would say: 'What would you like, Simon? Would you like some more money?'
'Yes, please,' you would say. You weren't smart enough to foresee that it would end in tears.
Funnily enough, many years later, you go to a hedgefund charity ball and it almost makes you feel ill. You think: 'My God, this reminds me of what it used to feel like in the Eighties. It is all hot air, it's fake.' You say to the person you are with: 'I have to get out of here, I can hardly breathe.' Thank heavens you are a little more perceptive now.
Look at you way back then. Simon, look in your bank account. How much money have you got in there? Nothing. Literally, nothing!
Despite appearances to the contrary, there is a big fat zero in your savings account. For two or three years you have earned nothing of substance but you have racked up debts of nearly half a million quid. On what? On junk.
Simon, I am tearing my hair out just watching you. Can you not see what is happening all around?
A cold financial wind is beginning to blow through the City. There is a recession on the horizon and despite your record company-mogul lifestyle, you are not actually selling any records. However, you notice nothing. You are blind to what is going on.
Magic touch: Simon Cowell in a publicity shot for the current X Factor series
Why? Partly because you spend most of your time in nightclubs and restaurants. Five or six nights a week, every week, you and your friends hit the town. You go to places like Peppermint Park and Coconut Grove, where you get sloshed on repulsive Harvey Wallbanger cocktails. A disgusting mix of vodka, orange juice and Galliano. You don't even know what Galliano is, do you? You never drink a Wallbanger again, however, because you actually hate them.
You go to clubs like Legends, the Embassy and the Hippodrome, where you buy bottle after bottle of champagne. By the end of every evening, you cannot see the table for bottles of champagne purchased by you. You and your friends get absolutely hammered and who always picks up the bill? You do. Every night you say: 'This is on me.'
Why do you do that? Well, I like to think it is because underneath it all, you are a generous guy. You are, but to be honest, you are also a bit of a flash git.
Deep inside, for reasons I still find hard to understand, you feel that this life - a life of what you perceive to be an incredible mix of glamour and excitement - is somehow due to you.
Suddenly it all grinds to a halt. It's over! The crash comes and your precious company shares, on which you have built your entire financial position, turn to dust overnight. The great big cork has popped on your champagne lifestyle - and not a moment too soon, as far as I'm concerned.
You are out of a job because the record label cannot be funded anymore, you owe the bank a fortune and your house is in negative equity. Out of the blue, you have no income, a ton of debt and nowhere to live, apart from moving back in with your parents.
In the end, you cannot get rid of the house or the stupid white Porsche quick enough. You have hit rock bottom and it is, in a strange way, a huge relief.
Yet the funny thing is, what you don't know, Simon, is that you will never again feel so carefree in your entire life.
For a brief moment, you have no responsibilities. Literally none. No employees, no artists, no worries, nothing to fear. You have a car, a second-hand TR6, that you love much more than your Porsche.
Your parents are fantastic and you have enough decent friends - real friends - who don't laugh at you or ditch you because you are not the big shot any more.
You negotiate a settlement with the bank and you pay it off, week by week. The day you finally clear that debt is one of the happiest in your life. I wish, just a bit, that you could savour this time, this breathing space, just a little more.
You don't, of course. You are a young(ish) man in a hurry, keen to get on with your career again. However, Simon, I will say one thing and one thing only in your favour about this period of your life: at least you learned your lesson. Never again will you be so stupid, naive or so reckless with money.
Yet hang on, kid, because - as we discovered earlier - things are going to get worse before they get better.
Oddly enough, it wasn't just the Robson and Jerome hit record that turned the tide for you at BMG. It was something the new chairman, a wonderful guy called Richard Griffiths, told you. 'Simon,' he said, 'don't ever blame anyone else if things go wrong. You're in charge, so it's your fault.'
It may sound an obvious bit of advice, but it switches on a big lightbulb in your head. It changes the way you think. Never again will you let yourself feel intimidated by others; indulging yourself by thinking that it's poor little you against the world.
From now on, you lead from the front and build relationships with people who can help you. People like Griffiths, who helps to give you back your confidence in your 30s, just like Pete Waterman had helped you in your 20s.
You become aware that there will be people in life who can mentor you. My good advice to you is to take good advice from the right people. The trick, of course, is to know who they are.
So here you are, a little battered and bruised but at last heading in the right direction. And I must say, despite everything, I am quite proud of you, Simon.
Sure, you can be a bit stubborn, but when it really matters, you know when to listen to yourself and stick with it. If you had listened to other people, you would probably have ended up as an estate agent!
When you made the Power Rangers video, against all advice, you made it because you liked them. You followed your own instincts.
It is the same today when you judge contestants on The X Factor or Britain's Got Talent. Never mind what anyone else thinks, do they make you feel happy, good, glad or sad? Have they got what it takes to make it?
You have made a lot of money by listening to what your heart and your head are saying. It took you years, but you got there in the end.
You're happy, you're content and just incredibly grateful for where you are.
OK, it is true that no one is ever going to publish a book called Simon Cowell, My Struggle. Your journey has been a breeze compared to the very real difficulties many people face in life and you have met some great people who have helped you.
However, you have been working flat out since you were 17. As Dad always told you: 'Work hard and be patient!'
What have you learned? Not to drink Galliano, that's for sure. Today, on the eve of your 50th birthday, you are much more likely to drink two litres of water a day rather than a gallon of champagne.
You still like to pick up the bill in restaurants and clubs, but the difference is that now you can afford it. You know where your limits are. You have nice things, sure, but you have earned them, both financially and emotionally.
What else has changed? Well, there used to be a big tin on your desk from which you would eat 20 chocolate biscuits a day. Now you snack on fresh fruit and vegetables.
You have also learned, perhaps more importantly, never to borrow money. Well, maybe once you had a small mortgage, but for many years you have bought all your houses and cars outright. Cash on the nail.
On the rare social occasion when you have to borrow a fiver off someone, you have a real problem with that. You will panic until you have paid that person back. The thought of not remembering to pay it back torments you.
Ironically, in the loopy celebrity world you now live in, companies offer you things for nothing all the time, but you never accept. Watches, cars, whatever, you always say no. You might ask for a discount, you will always haggle, but you don't like freebies.
What would you tell your younger self about all this? It sounds a bit boring but it is very important: only buy what you can afford. Simple as that. Carrying a debt is a much bigger burden than having nothing.
You never married, but you have no regrets about that. Family life would be a problem now. You almost never stop working, or thinking about work.
In Los Angeles, you like to sit out by the pool at night, have a beer and a cigarette, and think and think and think.
Sometimes, when friends are over, you want to ask them to leave. You get hit by black moods and you want to be alone. Stuff like that is difficult when you have a wife and kids.
You have had lots of great relationships with women and have remained close to all of your exes. Their friendship is important to you, it sustains you through your tremendous workload and commitments. Jackie, Terri and Sinitta, three of your exes, have now become three of your closest friends.
For you never imagined, not in your wildest dreams, that you would become well known all over the world. Your job, Simon, was to make celebrities, not to become one yourself, dear boy.
Sometimes you wonder how much longer you will stay on television because you don't ever want to be unwelcome.
In life, you have always insisted that you had an invitation to the party and you feel the same way about being on TV. You need to feel you are welcome into people's homes, not somehow forcing your way in. If you feel that is happening, you will be off, gone.
Underneath it all, Simon, you are a realist. You don't believe the hype about yourself. You can see what you do well and what you do badly.
People think that you are this Machiavellian character, forever plotting and scheming, someone whose touch turns everything to gold. Your story here shows that this is far from the case and that, on the contrary, you are no stranger to failure.
Yet your reputation now precedes you. It amuses you to think that some people believe that you are cunningly behind the current debacle which besets your main rivals, the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
They sacked Arlene Phillips (in a search for their own Cheryl Cole figure, you believe) and insisted on scheduling themselves against you on Saturday nights, even though you offered a peaceful solution and a different broadcast time.
You know what the public - and your Mum! - want, which is to watch both shows. All this has nothing to do with you.
Next week, you are throwing a fabulous bash to celebrate your 50th birthday. Your great friend, Sir Philip Green, and his wife, Lady Tina, are organising it for you but, contrary to some reports, he is not paying for it. Simon, you would never let anyone pick up that tab. Are you kidding? Old habits die hard.
You are tremendously excited about this party. When you were a small boy, your parents lived next door to one of the bosses at Elstree film studios. You remember peering over the garden wall and seeing the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at a fabulous party.
And what you remember, most vividly, is that you wanted to be at that party. You wanted to join in. Well, this time the party is all yours. It is going to be a great night. So happy birthday!
Love Simon
Hey Dog Owners (and wanna dog owners) Have you ever used your dog to "attract" someone?
Do you, or have you ever used your dog to attract a mate?
Part of man's education is to know the top dog breeds to help men attract women, bet you didn't know that... so Here are some interesting combos of dogs..and how they are "supposed to lure the opposite sex"... ready? These I found and must pass on to you, because I never thought that particular breed's of dogs can be used as 'mate bait'!
Mini pincher -- They are little so they don't cost a lot to feed, and they look really tough especially with a studded collar.
Beagle -- Charlie Brown was the sensitive underdog. You too can be the sensitive person with a Beagle.
Dalmatian -- any dog who hangs out with firemen is a sure bet with the ladies. This dog is a born hero.
English Pointer -- Cute enough for a lady to swoon over; tough enough so you won't look like a wimp.
Dachshund -- This little guy is a wonder with guys and girls and even kids. They are cute and are begging to be cared for.
Greyhound -- Sleek and aerodynamic plus many Greyhounds need rescuing so you'll score some serious points with the ladies and guys.
Golden Retriever -- Golden's are easy to train and strong, but their most outstanding trait is character. They are outgoing and devoted companions to all sorts of people, happy and trusting. But they can also be protective.
Labrador Retriever -- Labs are playful, loving to people and hardworking. Put a bandanna on him and he's an instant mate magnet!. The Lab can be counted on as a true friend anytime, anyplace.
Border Collie -- These dogs are brilliant, you can train them to do anything from catching Frisbees to delivering roses. They are clean, cute and wonderful herders.
Mutt -- Most mutts are found as strays, rescued from shelters. The Mutt is a natural conversation starter. "What kind of dog is that?" is the usual question the proud owner may hear. A guy or gal with a mutt shows the world that substance matters. His or her dog may not have the cachet and price tag of a pure breed but, like a rare priceless work of art, the mutt owner knows the dog is unique and one of a kind.
So, tell me, does your dog match anything on this list? And if you are on the hunt for a mate, maybe your dog is a magnet?
Paul
Help find a lost dog from Metro Regina.
Big Dog listener Kim writes:
"Atticus" is a Tosa Inu and looks very similar to a Bullmastiff. He's a very tall dog weighing about 125 pounds. He is fawn in colour with a very dark (almost black) head/face and ears and he has a large white marking on his chest. His tail is long. I've attached a picture of him to make identification easier. This picture is of when he was younger but he looks pretty much the same, just a lot bigger.
Please keep your eyes open as he could be in Regina, Pilot Butte, Balgonie or anywhere close by ...... maybe a neighbour got a ‘new' dog. Atticus is a very important part of our family and we all miss him very much (especially his little buddy, Gracie) and we want him back home where he belongs.
Is Ogopogo and Kinnisoo for real?
So I just got back from a vacation to the Okanagan Valley in BC, where the legend of the "monster" of Ogopgo is. Every July, there is a "sighting", and of course.. so one actually see's the beast.. but wait, over in Scotland, a man claims to have spotted the Loch Ness Monster on Google Earth's satellite photos?
Really...
"I couldn't believe it. It's just like the descriptions of Nessie," says the unnamed (for his protection) bloke from the UK.
The shape seen in the loch is 65ft long and appears to have an oval body, a tail and four legs or flippers. Researcher Adrian Shine, of the Loch Ness Project, said: "This is really intriguing. It needs further study." If you want to see the image for yourself the co-ordinates -- Latitude 57°12'52.13"N, Longitude 4°34'14.16"W -- need to be entered in Google Earth.
So Let's take a look... do you see Nessie? I think it's just a tree.
Paul
Canadian Country Music Awards - Nominees are announced!
So... Jason Preistley from "Beverly Hills 90210" Fame is the host for this year's awards in Vancouver this fall!
Check out the link for all the details!
Goin' on vacation? Bring your camera!
Amy and I just got back from a 5 day trek in BC, we flew to Kamloops and rented a car... after we picked up our car we noticed some scratches on it-we thought..oh crap, their gonna think WE caused these scratches; so here are some Good Reasons to take photos of stuff that has NOTHING TO do with your vacation...that COULD SAVE you grief and lots of money:
Renting a car, take a picture!
Take pictures of your rental car from every angle before you drive it off the lot.
Also check the paper damage report to check that it all makes sense.. sign when you check out the vehicle, those images can serve as proof of its condition should your rental company try to pull a fast one and charge you for damage that wasn't there, or to claim you came back with a dent that was worse than what you left with. And get a shot of the licence plate too!
Going to West Edmonton Mall... or Disneyland..heck even your campsite at Craven... snap a picture... trust me, it's easier to find where your supposed to be after a long day shopping or taking in the sights!
"Remember, Dad, we're in Goofy 58. Goofy 58, Dad." You could try to keep track. Or you could just take a photo of the sign that says "Goofy 58" and be done with it. (Aren't you glad you took a photo of your rental car earlier so that you know what you're looking for?)
Sir... Your passport please...
Take a shot of the informational page. It won't get you across a border, but it will make it easier to replace your passport if it's lost or stolen. And remember to REPORT your passport to the POLICE if your passport is lost or stolen, immediately!
Happy trails!
Paul
The Circus is here!
| The WaWa Shrine Circus is here! Old Superstore Lot Corner of Albert and Dewdney Regina, SK | |
| Dates & Times | May 29th, 2009 (2 shows) 4:15pm, 7:30pm |
| To help you get started, here are answers to the most asked questions. | |
Q: I have small children, do they need their own ticket? Q: Can I get a better price somewhere else? Q: How do I get my tickets? Q: How do I use my eTickets? Q: Where do I find information on the acts and the circus production itself? | |
CANOE FOR CANCER- A trek of a lifetime!
Jack is going to do something unique, in a way to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Jack is travelling by canoe from Lumsden on the Qu'Appelle River, through Katepwa, St. Lazare, Virden, Brandon, Portage La Prairie to his destination of the Forks of Assiniboine River & Red River at Winnipeg.
The Qu'Appelle River system was home old forts of the Hudson Bay Company and Northwest Company, Jack's voyage will replicate travel of the time period of the early 1800's, before the railroads and present day settlements their were trading posts and forts along the river system. Jack's voyage will commemorate over 20 locations along the route, and to this end, Jack will dress and eat in the fashion that Voyaguers did.
Jack and his paddlemate begins the journey this weekend.
Please show your support for CANOE FOR CANCER by making a donation to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency at:
204 - 3775 PASQUA STREET
REGINA, SK
S4S 6W8
Welcome to "Place-name"! Funny slogans!!
And I always get a laugh when I see town slogans, or state or province's slogans that are just, out there!
Here's an exmaple:
Back in 2006, New Jersey dumped "Come See For Yourself," its second attempt at a slogan in less
than a year. It was the product of a statewide contest set up by then-acting Gov. Richard
J. Codey, after he rejected a consultant's offering: "We'll Win You Over."
New Brunsick, was known as the "Picture Province"...
Alberta - is dropping "Wild Rose Country"... I have never seen a wild rose growing there!
The Friendly City? Okay, Surprisingly Unexpected... yes it's Moose Jaw
Tisdale: The Land of Rape and Honey... I just about hit the ditch when I saw that! And they have the largest Honey Bee!!
Happy trails!
Saskatchewan Country Music Awards Winners!
The 20th Annual SCMA's were held in Nipawin over the weekend!
If you missed who won what... here is the list!
Congrats to ALL in our talented music industry!
Paul
2009 20th ANNUAL SCMA |
WINNERS LIST!!! |
FANS CHOICE ENTERTAINER: |
CODIE PREVOST |
FEMALE VOCALIST OF YEAR |
DARLENE TULETA |
GROUP OF YEAR |
WYATT |
SONG OF THE YEAR |
SPIN - CODIE PREVOST/WILLIE MACK |
ALL STAR BAND (BASS) |
BRIAN KELLY |
ALL STAR BAND(DRUMS) |
CHARLES DUMONT |
ALL STAR BAND(KEYS) |
LORENA KELLY |
ALL STAR BAND(SPECIALTY) |
ANTHONY KELLY |
ABORIGINAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR |
DONNY PARENTEAU |
MALE VOCALIST OF YEAR |
CODIE PREVOST |
RISING STAR AWARD |
ASHLEY ST. DENIS |
SINGLE OF YEAR |
SPIN - CODIE PREVOST |
ALL STAR BAND(STEEL) |
ON HIATUS |
ALL STAR BAND(FIDDLE) |
ALLISON TYMIAK |
ALL STAR BAND(GUITAR) |
RICH McFARLANE |
BACK UP BAND |
CODIE PREVOST BAND |
ON AIR PERSONALITY |
DAVE BAKER - CJVR FM/MELFORT |
MUSIC DIRECTOR |
DAVE BAKER - CJVR FM - MELFORT |
RECORD PRODUCER(S) |
RICH McFARLANE |
COUNTRY MUSIC PERSON |
JOHN QUINN |
TV OR RADIO SHOW OF YEAR |
CANADIAN COAST TO COAST - CJVR FM |
COUNTRY GOSPEL ALBUM |
SOMEHOW IT ALWAYS DOES - JENNIFER JADE KERR |
FANS CHOICE RADIO STATION |
CJVR-FM - MELFORT |
MANAGER |
ALAIN LEBLANC |
RECORDING STUDIO |
MOSAIC RECORDING STUDIO - PRINCE ALBERT |
B-RAD STUDIO - REGINA |
ALBUM OF THE YEAR |
SPIN - CODIE PREVOST |
VIDEO OF THE YEAR |
WHEN PINK IS JUST A COLOUR AGAIN - KAL HOURD |
LEGENDS AND LEGACY AWARD |
BARRY SCAIFE |
NIGHTCLUB OF MERIT |
STARLIGHT LOUNGE - PRINCE ALBERT |
Hellooooo... I am a blogging...
I should follow up on a note written back in September-yes, so very prompt!
Where have I been?
It's safe to blog/A cat on Big Dog?
Okay. I am a terrible WEB LOG journalist! Or Blogger... I twitter..I Facebook, but rarely have I blogged..
I should follow up on a note written back in September-yes, so very prompt!
SO, I have a cat! Or..ahem, I now co-own a cat! My girlfriend Amy actually found the cat we now know as Robbie on her grandparent's farm, yes a genuine farm cat!
Robbie is a Siamese Farmer Cat, with traits of dogs (growling instead of purring), sitting on your shoulders as you walk or drive (traits of birds) and the agility of a rabbit. Robbie would be what I would call a Hybrid Cat-Dog Crossover. And we've decided that Robbie is an honorary dog.
Meet Robbie!
Thinking about getting a cat!
So my daughter (aged 6) wants me to get a cat.. so, I got to thinking, what names are out there for a pet, and the more I searched out information..the more I realized that, picking a pet's name has to make some logic!
Every pet owner knows that finding the right dog or cat names can be very difficult.
Consider this:
Ever Notice?
was just thinking...
Weird Traffic Patterns on the roads
Have you ever noticed that you will drive up Albert Street and that it's IMPOSSIBLE to get two green lights in a row? There is one place where I make bets with my self, the lights at Gordon Road and the light at the Mall Entrance, by the Chapters. I can never go through one, without stopping at the other.
