570News - Gary Doyle

I was asked to be part of one of the more interesting radio shows around. Our sister station, KIX 106 runs a show called “You Radio.” The idea is listeners apply to get on the air with a list of their top ten country songs. I heard it, liked it, told the boss. So now I find myself on country radio. I had a lot of fun putting the list together and when it airs (8pm next tuesday) I’ll be listening. There are some songs that will take you back. some that make you scratch your head and at least one you’ve never heard of. That’s what makes it good radio.

So I was helping get dinner ready last night and listening to Mike and Kate when they told me (all of us actually) that gas prices would jump about 13 cents per litre overnight. After dinner I hopped in the old truck, which was on empty, and drove to my usual filling station. The cars and trucks were lined up onto Weber Street. I got in line. Patiently. Turn the truck off, turn it on and get six feet closer to the pumps. It was nasty. I wasn’t sure if I had enough gas in the tank to get to the pumps, which I could reach with my hand. People cutting people off, yelling out car windows “I was here first!” and other less polite greetings. I kept time on my watch. It took my all of 12 minutes from the time my tires hit the parking lot until I was pumping the liquid gold. Ninety dollars later I was happy. The price did go up this morning. I figure my 12 minute wait saved me just under five dollars on the tank. Next time, I’ll send one of the kids. My time is worth more than that.

Elizabeth May has been shutout of the Federal Leaders debate. That means she wins it! Most rational Canadians would agree that the leader of the Green Party should be allowed to participate in the TV Debates. Most rational Canadians cheer for the underdog. Based on that rationale, May comes out smelling like a rose while those that denied her, look like bullies. The Greens will hold court with the national media before and after the debate and get her points across without interuption. (or much editing) Those that watch the debates and end up shaking their heads in dismay may end out voting for dat-May. Let the bafflegab begin!

E-nuff. I got an E-lert on my computor on the weekend. At least e-mail is a word. The E-lert wasn’t all that E-nlightening or E-mazing. More E-nnoying than anything else. I get it already. When the no call list becomes readily available at months’ end to stop the flow of suppertime E-nnoynance, perhaps a no flow list to laptops and Blackberrys could be developed by someone much smarter than me.

With one son finished at University and the other starting at College back to school routine has changed drastically. No one has asked for a ride anywhere. I guess when I told him to make sure he knew how he was getting back and forth to the Doon Campus he was listening. It makes me wonder what else he’s heard he me say.

I heard this morning that Cher has signed to be the new “Catwoman” in the next Batman movie, which was to be called “The Caped Crusader.” Cher is 62…How old is that in cat years? Odds are she won’t be doing her own stunts, and a catsuit is overdressed for her. That said. People will be curious. How about bringing back some other aging villains for subsequent Bat-pics.

Ed McMahon with his patented “Johnny Chuckle” could be the Joker-In-A-Walker.

Roseanne Barr could be herself.

Mr. T could be himself.

and William Shatner could do whatever he wants.

I watch too much TV. This I know. I watch TV while reading a book. And then, along comes the Bejing Olympics. Now I REALLY watch too much TV. But there is a better way. My favorite TV series is over now and I never watched one episode live. It’s called “The Wire” and it’s a police drama based out of Baltimore. My son bought me season one for Christmas because “it looked gritty.” Between Christmas and last week, I have now watched all five seasons on DVD. And, I’ll watch them again. Best way this side of TIVO to keep tabs on my new buddies McNulty, Omar and Bubbles.

I took some time off and went back to Saskatchewan for a family reunion. My wife’s family. They should give seminars on how to get along. Seven siblings, their kids and in some cases, their kids kids. Not a nasty word was spoken. All generations behaving like a family. Everyone pitching in to help with meals, rides, whatever. I am impressed. Usually I can disrupt a group like that but they are a focused bunch. Good people. I miss them already.

It’s time for a vist. I hit the road tomorrow (still cheaper than flying) to see friends and family in Saskatchewan. Between Mike Farwell and Susan C.S. you’re in good hands. I’ll be back before hockey season.

Jeff Allan is away this week. I hosted his show monday. Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran was in on tuesday. Peter Chandler sat in yesterday. Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig is in today and tomorrow, Conservative Leader John Tory will be here. They all jumped at the chance. Here’s what they didn’t know. Next monday, Jeff does my show. Tuesday he runs the City of Waterloo…wednesday he’ll look after your investments at Cannacord Capital…thursday he tries to keep Cambridge together and friday he tries to get elected. Next time, they’ll read the fine print.