There are no words………..

Well, wait….maybe, just a few……..

What in the heck is going on with our government? I don’t know about you, but, the news of this coalition deal between the NDP, Liberals and Bloc, makes my stomach turn. It’s disgusting!
Democracy?! Hah ! Did any of us vote for this to happen? Do any of us want this to happen?

You know, I think the thing that bothers me the most about all of this, is that, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Stephen Harper, in my humble estimation, is reaping what he’s sowed. What happened to his promise of fixed election dates? Why, when he’s got such a fragile government in place, would he even think of cutting funding to the opposition parties?
Hullloooo!
Then, there’s “Winkin-Blinkin and Nod”…..better known as Stephane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe. Are all three so bloody power hungry, that they would run the risk of sending this country and our stock markets into turmoil, just so they could say they’ve got the power?

I don’t think I’ve ever yelled at the t.v. as much as I’ve done in the past two days.

Disgusting folks……..absolutely embarassingly disgusting !

Your thoughts?!

K.K.

Okay…can you believe it’s now less than a month to go before Santa arrives ?! Where the heck does time go?
I have to admit that, I’ve been pretty good when it comes to Xmas shopping. It’s taken many years, but, I’ve finally leared to shop year round for gifts. Can’t tell you how much grief it saves ya. No big bills in December, and no fighting the crowds at the mall. I have one girlfriend who actually does the majority of her Xmas shopping during Boxing week….for the next year ! Not quite that anal, or should I say organized, but…..she’s one of the few people I know who’s smiling constantly during November and December !
Speaking of the holidays…..couple of quick notes……

Tom and Joe’s annual “Bed-In” goes December 15th to the 17th. (Monday to Wedneday) We’ll all be broadcasting live down at the Forks. I know times are tight for everyone these days, but, if you do have some spare cash, why not drop by and help put a toy under the tree for a child who’s not so lucky?!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ! I’ve been very happy to hear those words come out of many retailers mouths this year. I know that for some, it’s a phrase which is not politically correct. And, for the past couple of years, the phrase, HAPPY HOLIDAYS was used. Personally, I’m glad people have revolted, and we’re going back to using MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Cheers !

K.K.

Don’t know about you all, but, I will be so happy come Monday, November 10th. That’ll be the day that most of the U.S. election “stuff” should be well and truly over. I’m probably one of the biggest political junkies around, but, even I am getting tired of this “dance.” You cannot turn on a single news channel without being bombarded with Obama-McCain info.
And, for the extremely Liberal biased media, down south, it’ll be nice to hear them finally shut up about Sarah Palin ! That poor woman can’t do anything right in “their” eyes.

7 days my friends………7 days…………..

K.K.

Good Day !

This blog is for all you able bodied people who like to make a difference.

Winnipeg has got a new program, where you can not only be a good neighbor, but could even help to save a life.
It’s called “Snow Angel’s.” Pretty simple and straight forward mission statement.
ADOPT A SENIORS SIDEWALK THIS WINTER AND KEEP IT CLEAR.

All a person has to do to get involved is….. watch for seniors in their neighbourhood that could use help removing snow from their sidewalks and driveways, and, ask if they can lend a hand. Or, you could also call the Charleswood senior center, to be paired with a senior in need.

Remember, there is often an increase in calls to paramedics for cardiac illness and arrest, on days with heavy snow fall. And, the elderly are more prone to cardiac issues due to over exertion.

I urge all of you to get involved in this worthwhile cause….it really is a win-win. You–yourself could get some great exercise, and more importantly, could make a difference in a senior’s life !

Please call 897-5263 for more information.

Cheers !

K.K.

So as you’ve probably heard, read or seen on t.v., North America is facing a pretty big economic crisis. (which is beginning to spread around the world) Lots of reasons, lots of blame to go round as to why. But really…..bottom line is…..this problem begins and ends with all of us. Society has changed a lot in the last 20 to 30 years. Living beyond our means has almost become a mantra for many. We buy houses and cars that we can’t afford….and we rack up credit cards that we can’t pay for. All that money, or, lack of, doesn’t just go away. When we can’t pay our bills, the banks-the lenders end up eating those loans. (hence all the big bank troubles)
Dont’ want to sound too preachy here…but…we ALL have to go back to basics. Start living within our means….and look for ways to save money. There are many ways to do that, and, I want to throw out a few ideas and hopefully you’ll respond with more.

1. how many credit cards do you really need ? One should be good in case of emergency’s. And, you should always plan to pay off the balance at the end of the month. Think of the hundreds, if not thousands you’ll save in interest charges.

2. want new clothes or new furniture ? Have you thought about “swapping parties?” Why not get together a group of friends who want to do the same, and swap items instead of buying ? Hey…if you’ve always liked your girlfriend’s red sweater….you could get it for free !

3. it’s amazing how much money you can save by simply unplugging items in your house when not in use. The t.v., VCR-PVR, micro-wave….they are all still “pulling power” even if they’re off. Why not try for 30 days unplugging those items when you leave for the day? Bet you’ll see a pretty big difference in your bill !

4. as much as it ticks me off being stuck behind the “coupon lady” at the grocery store check out line….that lady, is doing something smart. Coupons can save you a ton of money when buying groceries. It really is worth your while taking a couple of minutes to go through the papers and clip them out.

5. remember the library ! If you’ve got kids who always pine for the latest DVD, take them to the library and rent…for free ! Remember they do have movies….and, you’re not going to be paying the huge cost you’d have if you would have bought.

Those are just a few, very simple ideas, to save some cash. And now that we’re heading into the holiday season, that extra money could go a long way. Whatabout you ? What money saving ideas do you have to contribute? Would love to hear them !

K.K.

Talkin about the new telemarketing “do not call list.” What a joke. For those who think signing up will do anything to stop those supper hour calls…..think again.

Little history about this new “law.” When the bill was first introduced in the House of Commons in 2003 by the then, Liberal government….it was indeed all encompassing. Meaning, it would’ve really put a stop to the annoying calls. But, over the years as it winded its way through the House and Senate, and the Conservatives took power, the bill got more and more watered down. Today ? It’s a shade of its former self.

This new legislation will stop….maybe…..1 out of 4 phone calls you receive. It allows exemptions for a whole lot of groups and people. Charities can still bug ya. So can political parties. And, that’s just the start……

Signing up couldn’t hurt….but, I would also suggest you put your name on another list which is much more effective. Head to…….www.ioptout.ca

A final note on the political front………MAKE SURE YOU GET OUT AND VOTE ON OCTOBER 14TH.

Cheers !

K.K.

Time for a “rant”……….

Last Saturday morning, while doing my show on CITI FM, (6 til 10 a.m. by the way) I made mention of what I think is a musical travesty. One of the bands that was most influential during my formative years was….LOVERBOY. Say what ya want about the outfits and the hair styles….fact of the matter is, their music rocked and still does. And, judging by the amount of albums sold in Canada, the U.S., and around the world…I’m not alone in my thinking.

As the press releases begin to roll in for the upcoming Juno awards next year…(yes, they get an early start)…I suddenly realized that, Loverboy has never been acknowledged. Tragically Hip and Tom Cochrane….they’ve already made it into the Canadian music hall of fame. But, Loverboy ? Not even nominated. What the hell is up with that? I’m not disputing the likes of the Hip and Cochrane being in the hall, but fact of the matter is, Loverboy has sold more albums than the 2 of them combined. This is where YOU come in…….

I’ve gotten ahold of the e-mail address you can use to change this bit of musical injustice.
It is……..info@carasonline.com

If you think like I do that, it’s time for Loverboy to get their “just desserts”….please, take a moment and use the address above to voice your displeasure. Not to get corny here…but, together we can make a difference !

Long live red leather pants !!!!!!!

Well as I mentioned in an earlier blog…..took part in the annual CITY CATS/URBAN ANGLING PARTNERSHIP derby this past weekend at the Forks. A big congratulation’s to Todd and the gang at City Cats, and all the many-many volunteers, who made the day so incredible. A record turnout was on hand for the event….with well over 500 people lining the river-bank. Donation’s were also collected for the “Never Alone Foundation” in support of Cancer-care Manitoba….and, the Bomber’s Lyle Bauer, seemed extremely pleased with the amount of monies raised that day.
By the way, if memory serves, a cat fish measuring 88 c.m. took top prize of the boat-motor-trailer.
Mark your calendars for next year…..the event will be bigger and better than ever !

Pictures below are of, Todd Longley of City Cats and I, Todd giving Baron Simpson his 2nd place trophy, and, the “Dude” and I….holding our hardware. Big thanks to “CK-ONE” (aka my pops) for taking great snaps on the riverbank all day !

Happy Fishing !

P.S. In the media challenge…..I managed a first place win….Baron Simpson from the Bombers, aka, “The Minister of Defence,” came second….the “Dude”…..a respectable third ! Oh, I guess in the spirit of honesty, I should mention that NONE of the media caught a single fish ! Organizers decided, since they had the trophy’s and prize packs ready to go…that, we three, would walk away the winner’s ! Mmmmm…….better luck next year !

Sooooo happy to both see and say….Canada has made a comeback at the Olympic games ! After going through the first 7 days in Beijing with nada….we’re now sitting with a total of 13 as of Wednesday morning….and still have hope for a few more.
Here are a few quick thought’s on the first 10 days of competion……..

1. how do those female track athelete’s manage to keep their nails so long and beautiful? Honest to Gawd….I’m constantly struggling to keep mine decent….and I go nowhere near a track !
2. Judging at the Olympic Games. We all know that sport is subjective….but come on ! There have been so many events where the results have been extremely questionable !
3. Ian Miller. How cool a story is that ?! The 61 year old Canadian finally has his first medal after 9 Olympic contests. (equestrian)
4. BMX racing in the Olympics ? Only my thought’s but, think they should leave that sport to the “X Games.”
5. somebody still has to check into the “real ages” of some of those Chinese gymnasts. There’s no way that a few of them were 16 !

Now to Hecla…….

Was lucky enough to escape to the new Hecla Radisson Resort and Spa last weekend. All I have to say is……..5 star all the way ! What an unbelievable job they’ve done out there in fixing and remodelling the place. The restaurant’s are incredible, the rooms top notch and the surroundings…well…..
This is a place Manitoba should surely be proud of. If you golf, fish or, just like to get back to nature….this is your new vacation hot spot. The spa is still under construction, but should be open completely by the new year. Your summer holidays may already be over…but….keep in mind this place is open 365…..24/7 ! Definitely worth the trip !

Finally some fishing news………couple of big derby’s coming up next month. Details on both will be posted shortly. However, to get into the fall fishing spirit…..want to hear your best fishing tales. Got some killer prizes courtesy of the gang at Fish Futures. We’ll take the best two stories, and, award them prize packs. Make sure you include your name, address and phone number.

Cheers everyone….enjoy these last few days of summer !