Afternoon Drive with Jeff & Carly

I’m heading to Jamaica tomorrow (woo hoo!) and I haven’t packed a thing yet.  I mean, really, what do you need, other than sunblock, a bathing suit and a pair of flip flops?  Well, I can think of a few things.  My commuter mug, for one, so I don’t have to keep lining up for pina coladas - just fill ‘er up and your drink stays cold for hours (or minutes - whichever come first).  I also need my travel pillow for the plane.  I always thought they looked kind of funny and not necessarily that comfortable, but those u-shaped cushions mean that your head can flop to any side and you won’t get a crick in your neck.

What are your travel staples?  Are they different depending on destination and mode of transportation?  Share your list by clicking on the No Comment/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is JAMAICA.  It’s good until I get back.

Marcia Cross as Bree on “Desperate Housewives”

Ever have one of those “I can’t believe I just said that!” moments?  Going through U.S. Customs on the way to L.A. for The Who concert earlier this month, the male agent commented on my red hair.  He asked me if I watch “Desperate Housewives” and suggested I should audition to play Bree’s  sister.  I said, “Yeah, her evil, conniving sister!”.

I was trying to be funny, but why would you ever say that to a Customs agent, a man who has the power to deny you entry to his country?  Luckily, he seemed to know I was joking and I wasn’t left off the Party Plane!

Have you had one of those moments?  Were there any consequences?  Share your verbal blunders by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link at the bottom.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is FOOTINMOUTH.  It’s valid until November 29th.

Girl Guide Cookies

I recently blogged about burgers and wouldn’t normally write about food again for a bit, but there’s a news story concerning Girl Guide cookies that got me thinking - Can you reduce the fat and/or the calories without reducing the taste?

The big news is that Girl Guide cookies will be made from a new recipe in the spring, a recipe that will have 90 percent less trans fat.  Although the change probably won’t affect the overall fat content, the less trans fat, the better because it’s my understanding that this “unhealthy” fat was industrially created to extend shelf-life.  You go, Girl Guides!

There are some great low fat, fat free and calorie-reduced products on the market.  My beverage of choice is water, but when I’m in the mood for pop, I usually have a diet cola because I don’t like anything too sweet.  If I am craving the taste of the “original”, though, I’ve discovered that Coke Zero is a pretty good alternative.  I know some people think it’s crazy to have calorie-reduced cola, especially if you’re combining it with a large tub of buttered popcorn or a fast food meal, however, you can save yourself a few hundred calories (and a few pounds a year) by choosing a diet alternative.  It’s even more substantial if you’re supersizing that combo.

One of my favourite fat free products is Gay Lea Fat Free Sour Cream.  Some low fat sour creams are kind of soupy, but this one tastes great and has a good consistency for veggie dip.  Two tablespoons of regular sour cream is 50 calories and 4.5 grams of fat.  Two tablespoons of fat free sour cream is 20 calories and 0.4 grams of fat.  That may not sound so significant, but who eats only 2 tbsp. of dip, especially if you’re watching the Grey Cup or are at a holiday party?

What low fat, fat free and calorie-reduced products have you discovered?  Share the info by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link at the bottom.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is FATFREE.  It’s valid until November 28th.

Bad boss Mel was also the owner and cook on “Alice”

Some new research out of Sweden indicates that men who have a bad boss are more likely to develop heart disease.  The findings of the ten year study held true regardless of education, income and other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.  The study suggests managers need to provide employees with clearer targets, better information and more defined responsibilities.

Reading this got me thinking about bad bosses.  I wouldn’t want to work for Mel, the owner and cook at Mel’s Diner on TV’s Alice.  As much as I loved the show back in the day (especially Flo, who would frequently tell Mel to “kiss [her] grits”), I find it painful to watch re-runs of Mel verbally abusing his staff, mousy Vera in particular.

Mel did have his heartwarming moments, though.  Unlike Alec Baldwin as Blake in the film version of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross: “Coffee is for closers only”.  That absurd line still makes me laugh.  If you haven’t seen Baldwin’s brilliant cameo, click HERE.  (Warning: Foul Language)

Who are your favourite fictional bosses?  Tell us about the ones you love to hate, as well as the ones you love (Mr. Carlson from WKRP?  Law and Order’s Anita Van Buren?), by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BADBOSS.  It’s good until November 27th.

Mike Tyler is going to be at the South St. Burger Company in Newmarket tomorrow (Saturday) from 1-5 p.m.  Not only is he pimping out 1/3 pound juicy burgers with your favourite toppings, but he’s also handing out a Jack Nation bonus code that will net you 2500 points.  To check out South St.’s web site, click HERE.

I must admit, I’m overdue for an awesome burger on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon and cheese.  Mmmm.  When I lived in the Davisville area, I would occasionally pop into Burger Shack at Oriole Parkway and Eglinton for a banquet burger.  That place was hopping, especially after the bar on a Friday or Saturday night.  Another joint I used to frequent was Johnny’s at Vic Park and Sheppard.  Prior to radio, I used to work in that area, so a Johnny’s burger made for a delicious reward after a month of Lean Cuisines at lunch. 

What do you think is the best burger in the GTA and why?  It’s always interesting to hear about other options around town, so share the wealth by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus codes is BESTBURGER.  It’s valid until November 23rd. 

I will be making my TV debut this evening (Thursday) on Rogers Ch. 10.  I had a chat with Ryan Greer of Our Toronto a few weeks back and my interview premieres tonight at 9 p.m.  I must admit, I’m a little nervous about it because I haven’t seen any of the footage.  I hope I didn’t say anything too dumb or have spinach between my teeth!  To find out more about Our Toronto, click HERE.

Have you ever been on TV, radio or in the newspaper?  Did you keep a copy?  Did anyone recognize you or comment?  Click on the No Comments/Comments link at the bottom to share your 15 minutes of fame.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is 15MINUTES.  It’s valid until November 22nd.

Shirley Temple

Forbes magazine has named Suri Cruise - daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes - the World’s Most Powerful Toddler.  I take issue with this title.  Is Suri saving the world or running a major corporation?  No.  Is she pulling buses and power lifting?  No.  She’s maybe the World’s Most Popular Toddler because of all the press she gets, but not Powerful.  When I think of influential children, I think of Jesus or Anne Frank or even Shirley Temple because her movies gave people hope and kept them entertained during economic hardship.

Do you think a child has to make a contribution to society in order to be considered “powerful”?  Who would you define as an influential child?  Post your thoughts by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is INFLUENTIALINFANTS.  It will influence your points balance until November 21st. 

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland has opened up to Men’s Vogue about his seven weeks in jail for a recent DUI conviction.  “There’s no smoking”, says the star of TV’s 24.  “The lights never go out, 24/7. You can’t cover anything. You can’t even put your head under a blanket. All the cells have cameras in them.”  Despite going 49 days without a nicotine fix, Sutherland couldn’t remain a quitter.  He said, “I was very glad to know that I could quit. And one day soon I will.” 

What’s the hardest habit you’ve had to break or the most challenging lifestyle change you’ve had to make?  Smoking?  Dating a certain ex?  Dieting?  Working out?  What advice can you offer?  What made you fall off the wagon?  Share your wisdom, successes and defeats by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is NOQUITTER.  It won’t quit giving you points until you’ve used it once or November 20th, whichever comes first.

The Who’s Roger Daltrey

I’ve already told you about the hockey game and my Beverly Hills experience, but recounting our lost weekend in L.A. wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the jewel in the crown - The Who concert at the Nokia Theater!

The show was on Saturday night and once again, we arrived by limo bus.  Woo WHO!  I knew Jeff had already consumed a few wobbly pops because he excitedly explained to me that the fibre optic lighting in the vehicle changed colour when you touched it.  He even showed me.  “Just wait for it”, he said and then, “See?”.  I told him to take his fingers away and keep watching.  The lighting goes through the rainbow spectrum on its own without any contact.  If I hadn’t had a few glasses of wine myself, I might have told him, “Cool!  Now watch me change it with my mind!”.

The venue itself was awesome - lots of concession stands and clean washrooms, so the line ups weren’t too ridiculous.  The seats were comfortable (not that we used them much) and had drink holders (those, we did use!).  The sightlines were spectacular - not a bad seat in the joint.  It was the equivalent of seeing a rock show at Roy Thomson Hall.

Pete Townshend thanked everyone for coming out and Roger Daltrey apologized for sounding a bit hoarse.  He explained that when he has a few days off, his vocal chords shut down and he has to tell them “no f***ing way!”.  They warmed up pretty quickly, though.  You would never know that Roger is 64 - he looks, sounds and moves like a man decades younger.

We heard all the songs you’d want to hear - I Can’t Explain, The Seeker, Who Are You, Behind Blue Eyes, Baba O’Riley, Won’t Get Fooled Again, My Generation - and some real gems like Eminence Front, Love Reign O’er Me and Sister Disco (which they hadn’t played on a North American tour in 20 years).  Large screens were used for close ups of Roger and Pete, archival footage from the band’s early days, as well as cool images that suited each individual tune.

Roger confided to that they had the choice of performing one night at The Staples Center (just across the street) or two nights at Nokia.  The audience members indicated their approval of the venue choice through applause.

Have you seen The Who?  Was it a good show?  What’s the best concert you’ve ever attended?  What’s the most amazing venue you’re been to?  Click on the No Comments/Comments link below to post your experiences.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is WOOWHO.  It’s valid until November 16th.

The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel

Yesterday I told you about the hockey game on Friday night.  Sunday was a free day, so my friend Leah and I had Joey the Concierge at the Renaissance Hollywood make a reservation for us at The Polo Lounge (a renown restaurant at the upscale Beverly Hills Hotel).  Brunch was lovely - a Bellini, crab cake appetizer, beef tenderloin and an apple pastry with cinnamon ice cream for dessert.  There was even a celebrity sighting, although we’re not quite sure who it was - some guy in a black tuque with dark glasses and a 5 o’clock shadow who wanted his meal sent up to his room.

After brunch, we went to the hotel’s taxi stand, hoping to get a ride to Rodeo Drive.  When we told the doorman where we were going, he said he would call for a car.  The next thing we know, a limo pulls up and we’re assisted inside the car.  At that moment, it became apparent to us that there was an assumption made that we were staying at the hotel.  Ooops!  Upon arrival at Rodeo, the driver opened the door for us and asked when we would like to be picked up.  We told him we weren’t sure how long we were going to be.  He explained that it’s difficult to park around Rodeo, so if we could “ballpark it”, it would be helpful.  It was at that point that Leah came clean, told him we weren’t Beverly Hills guests, and slipped him a handsome gratuity.  He didn’t seem to mind too much and we would have had to pay for a cab anyway, so we arrived at Rodeo Drive in style!

Needless to say, I didn’t buy anything.  Leah made some purchases at Juicy Couture, but the $22 000 watch at Porsche was left behind.  I’m sure someone else will buy it, maybe James Bond.  Despite my lack of shopping bags, I had a fantastic time in Beverly Hills.  The Clampetts would be proud!

What’s the most expensive item you’ve bought?  Did you ever end up in a store that was out of your league in terms of price point, not realizing it at first?  How did that turn out?  Have you ever been upgraded accidentally or just by being at the right place at the right time?  Share your fortune by clicking on No Comments/Comments at the bottom.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BEVERLYHILLS. (Note that there are two, not three “E’s”.)  It’s valid until November 15th.