570News - Gary Doyle

There, I said it. I will always say it regardless of the politcal climate. Sitting in for Jeff this week is fun for me. It’s a different vibe for sure, but I’ve enjoyed the interaction and the calls on “The Hour of Rage” were interesting. A lot of people called in yesterday to vent about “Holiday Trees” and “Seasonal Parties” and I’m right there with you. I also got a nice e-mail from a listener who says he finds it interesting that I’m not ashamed to say I’m a Christian. I can tell you not everybody feels that way, but the goal of every Christian should be to not shame the boss. There is a line in a song I find convicting. “I wish that I could say, that at the close of every day, I’m happy with the way that I’m behaving.” If we could all strive for that simple goal, regardless of religiosity or faith system, the world would be much happier. I’m kicking back for the next couple of weeks trying to live that line. Thanks for a fullfilling ‘07. Here’s to a fuller ‘08 and a Memorial Cup Party in May.

Merry Christmas

gary

It was a bittersweet reflective evening for me last night. My young son, Ian, was co-mc at Bluevales’ Annual Christmas Concert and also performed in a number of groups. Bittersweet because it’s his last year of high school and therefore my last chance to see this amazing group of kids perform. I know, I’m biased. But it pleases me to see over two hundred high school kids singing and playing in the band and genuinely enjoying what they are doing, because, in this job, I mostly hear about what bad stuff kids are into. One of the reasons my son went back for “the victory lap” at Bluevale is his vocal teacher. Nancy Kidd is retiring this year, although I don’t know how this ball of energy will every slow down. What a gift she has. The love of music and the ability to teach that enthusiasm to others. I’m sure Bluevale will be fine after Mrs. Kidd retires, because I believe there is another one waiting in the wings. Here’s hoping he/she lands in Waterloo.

We have one of those supermailboxes. The only problem I have, is remembering to walk to the corner on a daily basis to empty it. Which brings me to the point. I cleaned it out on friday and have a count for you. Christmas flyers 17… Christmas cards 2. By January it should be Christmas bills 17, Super Savings Flyers 312. Note to self. If it has a window envelope, don’t open it. It will just spoil my mood.

Those that know me, know how much the music of Harry Chapin influences me. I’ve yet to be in a “mood” where a Chapin song would not relate. Harry died in 1978 in a fiery car crash on Long Island. Why mention it now? Today, he would have been 65 years old. I still listen to the songs. Icons live forever.

Congratulations. 58 hundred paying customers tossed over 6 thousand teddy bears on the ice last night when Justin Azevedo scored for the Kitchener Rangers in an overtime loss to Brampton. To be totally accurate, not all the bears made it to the ice. Some were left hanging on the safety nets at either end, long after the game ended. This morning, a number of charities will be lined up at the Aud, picking bears out of a bin. By the weekend most, if not all, will be on their way to a new home. This is an idea our leader Mike Collins took to Brad Sparkes 13 years ago. Mike heard about in in the Western Hockey League and to Brads’ credit, he jumped on the idea. Now every OHL team has a Teddy Bear toss tonight. I believe every Major Junior Team in Canada and the U.S. has followed suit. Much like getting school classes to sing the National Anthems, a good idea spreads quickly. That’s why I don’t know why other teams haven’t picked up the Rangers best idea yet. Special jerseys for Remembrance Day with the silent auction to follow and monies going to veterans charities. Much like the movie, a good idea works if you “pay it forward.”

There are some decisions I’m glad I don’t have to make. Selecting which 18 and 19 year old junior hockey players get to wear Canada’s colours are the World Junior Tournament may be near the top of the list. Tough calls. I talked with Peter DeBoer about it, because he’s been on the inside. DeBoer, who runs the Kitchener Rangers, says it’s very tough. There are many factors involved, but character is usually the bottom line. In that light, congrats to Matt Halischuk and Nick Spaling of the Rangers, who did get invited to the final selection camp. Their character is unquestioned. As for Justian Azevedo, who did not get invited, it’s not his size, his ability or his character. It’s just too crowded at the centre position. Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it. Azevedo will be fine.

The Kitchener Rangers endured agonizingly tedius travel on the weekend. The weather was not our friend. But I have two new friends. Well, actually one but I don’t know his name. He’s the pilot of the plane that landed the Rangers safely at Breslau last night despite lousy flying conditions. The other is “Jimmy.” Jimmy is the Rangers bus driver. He deserves a medal. If you can’t afford one and see him…Large double-double.