Afternoon Drive with Jeff & Carly

These kitties are safe - for now at least - but a cat in Collingwood almost met with an ugly fate.  A man walked into his kitchen to find a six foot boa constrictor eating his pet’s food and eyeing the feline for dessert.  The man and his landlord managed to get the snake into a box and called the OPP.  It’s believed that the snake belonged to a previous tenant and has been on the loose for six months!  Anyone who loses a dangerous pet and fails to report it - or worse, sets it free - should do some hard time.  What if the tenant had had a small child?

It got me thinking about interactions with wild or dangerous animals.  My travel group in Kenya had some amazing guides in the Masai Mara, but the dude who was hired by our hotel on the coast clearly failed Interacting with Animals 101.  He picked us up in a K-car instead of a 4 x4 and when he spotted elephants in the middle of the road, he sped up instead of taking the customary ”approach with caution” route.  One elephant turned around, made like it was going to charge us, then trumpeted like it was in a Tarzan movie.  Granted, I did get an amazing photo through the windshield, but I thought that picture was going to be my last!

Have you had any near misses with wild animals or angry pets?  Share your hair-raising experience by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BOA.  It’s valid until December 13th.

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Rick Bazinet, a bus driver from London, Ontario, was doing something quite ordinary the other day - he stopped at Tim Hortons for a coffee and a washroom break.  But that’s when he came across something extraordinary- a bag containing $80 000!  So, what did Mr. Bazinet do?  He turned it in, of course!  It seems the bag was dropped by Brinks guards who had been filling the on-site ATM.  

Have you ever found money or a valuable item?  Were you able to locate the owner or were the circumstances such that you could keep it for yourself?  Was there a reward for its safe return?  Tell the world by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is FOUND.  It’s good until December 12th.

Tell me something about this list:

• Have Yourself a Furry Little Christmas
• Pat the Christmas Bunny
• Rudolph’s Bag of Toys

Kiddie lit or adult video titles?  It turns out they’re children’s Christmas books!  The last guy who asked me if I wanted to pat the Christmas bunny got a slap in the face.  Who knew he just wanted to show me his book?

What suggestive names or titles have you come across at Christmas or otherwise?  “Fecule de mais”, which means cornstarch in French, always made me laugh because it just sounds dirty in either official language.  Click on the No Comments/Comments link below to share your gems.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is INNUENDO.  It’s valid until December 11th.

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.