Rich & Gary

Today’s Rich and Gary Listen Line topic had our phone lines buzzing.—– (525-7271 to leave us a message anytime)—– Comments about the release of ‘Grand Theft Auto 4′ covered all the angles.  We got everything from, “What’s the big deal? It’s a video game.” to “I won’t have that in my house!” to “This game is just an indicator of a bigger problem.”

As a public service, we thought you might like to read more about GTA 4:

The video game industry estimates “GTA 4″ will sell about 6 million copies and make about $400 million in sales worldwide in its first week alone. If those numbers hold up, the game would break the record held by the current all-time sales champ, Halo 3.

***GTA 4 has a “Mature” rating, meaning it is intended for users 17 years old or older. The game’s label warns of blood, intense violence, partial nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of alcohol, and use of drugs.

“A heavy diet of these games puts kids at risk for aggression,” says the National Institute for Media and the Family, an independent non-profit group that researches the effects of media on children.

….and here is one e-mail response:

Good Morning ……..

I am listening to you both talk about this new video game……..and NO you are not overlooking anything…….or over reacting in any way…….Too many parents don’t know what their kids are doing allot of the time……which is just a small part of the problem……..

**My issue is this…….Have you ever watched a child playing these games…….once you pull them off or maybe they get away from the game voluntarily……..but there is a complete glaze over their eyes and it almost like the game has had a hypnotic effect on them………I can easily see why there is such an increase in violence in our youngsters and bullying……..these games stay with the children…….they can’t just brush off or make sense of the feelings of power they get when they “kill” the bad guy or “overcome” the enemy………..

need I say more?

Gina

Here are some simple ways to save money and help the planet:

1. Install a programmable thermo-stat.

2. Try low-flow shower heads. They can save up to 34,000 litres of water a year. (Family of 4)

3. Go with compact fluorescent bulbs throughout the house.

4. Use environmentally friendly laundry soap and bleach.

5. …and keep your vehicle(s) tuned up.

And for that couch potato that just won’t get off the couch, (you know who we mean), here are some other ways to help: 

5…sleep all day so you don’t use any electricity

4…recycle a TV show by watching re-runs

3…if not running the tap while you’re brushing your teeth saves water….not brushing at all must save alot of water

2…eat take out because it takes less energy to prepare food for hundreds all at once

1…put a brick in the toilet tank so it uses less water…..trust me, not flushing for an entire day is no way to live!!

Happy Earth Day

Actually, George Costanza is the opposite of every friend you ever wanna have as part of your life!

But, he did make us laugh. And, who’s kiddin’ who, here at the Griffin household, we are buzzing about the fact that Jason Alexander is coming to Sudbury to head up the Laugh Out Loud Sudbury Comedy Festival, May 29th to June 1st.  ( I understand he’ll be representing Vandalay Industries as an architect!) For more information, call 688-1234.

For those that don’t know, or for those who have forgotten, here’s a small musical tribute to…..George Costanza, featuring Petula Clark.

You gotta admit, 2008 is shaping up to be a banner year for concerts here in Sudbury. Elton John, Blue Rodeo, Michael Buble, Anne Murray, Avril Lavigne. Just gotta wonder, who will be announced next? 

Just this past week, we learned that Don McLean, singer-songwriter, that ‘American Pie’ guy, will be the headliner for the Northern Lights Festival Boreal in early July, while at Laugh Out Loud Sudbury, the comedy festival, Jason ‘George Costanza’ Alexander, will headline a great line-up of laughs May 29th to June 1st.

***Hats off to all those working hard behind the scenes to bring each of these events together.

And here’s to all you EZ Rock Platinum VIP’s who’ve won, earned and purchased concert tickets ahead of the crowd. Keep listening and keep collecting those points. You never know what will be available next.

I wanted to share a couple of great e-mails… Positive stories I think any concert-goer can relate to.

All the best!

 I just had to share with you the greatest news ever!  My 8 year old granddaughter was telling me that Avril Lavigne was coming to Sudbury and she would love to go (she has never been to a concert or never asks for anything so I knew this was very important to her).  Well, because of being an EZ Rock Platinum VIP Club Member I am going to be the “grandmother of the year” on her birthday (April 17th).  I was so fortunate to purchase 2 tickets on THE FLOOR.   She is going to go with her Aunty Nora who saw Avril Lavigne in Ottawa years ago when Avril was just starting her career.  I’m still on cloud 9 and can hardly wait until McKenna’s birthday on April 17th and she opens her present with the tickets inside!  I am going to explode - this is the biggest secret I ever had to keep!  I went down to the arena and got the tickets already! 

One my daughters’ friend called last night and I told her how to sign up to be a member.  You just never know when good fortune comes your way! 

Cathy Burns

Hi Rich and Gary:

I wanted to let you know that I won tickets to see Blue Rodeo in the Soo, however, because of the weather forcast for Tuesday, I decided on Monday morning that it was probably not a good idea to travel there. We decided to courier the tickets to Sault College so that the tickets would not go to waste. I contacted the Registrar at Soo College and forwarded the tickets to her. On Tuesday morning I received an e-mail telling me that she had received the tickets and that she had given them to a second year nursing student who really deserved them. I just wanted to let you know how very disappointed I was that I could not attend but how happy I was to hear that the tickets were given to someone who really deserved them (according to the Registrar, Amanda, the second year nursing student always volunteered and was eager to help whenever asked).  

Thank you Rich and Gary for not only making my day when I won the tickets, but also for making a second year student the opportunity to enjoy the concert when it is obvious that she could not have afforded to spend the money to go to the concert.

Yours very truly,Cathy Spencer

I’m not sure if any of you saw a recent Dianne Sawyer interview on ABC with a professor from Melon University in the States.

His name is Randy Pausch and he’s dying of pancreatic cancer.  He was asked  to put into words his last lecture and he did just that.

That You Tube video has been viewed by more than 6-million people and it’s also launched a book with the same title.

If your facing a life threatening situation …. visiting his home page might give you a lift you need.

To get there …Click here  http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/

Wanted to let you know that the snowy weather on April 12th didn’t slow everyone down. It was Vale Inco Shines, Centre Court at the New Sudbury Centre and a group of enthusiastic Sudburians went under the shears for the Canadian Cancer Society. (Be sure to check our EZ Rock Photo Gallery for some great pictures.)

Here are some of the ‘hi-lites’: 

Dave Kennedy piped in all the participants at 11a.m. Great work Dave!!

First to get the ultimate hair-cut was Walter MacDonald…… Donna Trottier and the ladies from Sears Hair Studio had more than a years’ worth of growth to deal with, because Walter wanted to donate his locks. When it was over, the man was bald. I mean bald, bald!!!  All agreed it was a distinct improvement. :-)  

The Cameron Family took centre stage next. Sue, Lisa and Bob all had their hair cut, right down to nothing. It was smiles all around. 

Also up for a cut were Gord Tait, Vale Inco Shines Chair, and his dad, Ron. As they sat side by side and the hair began to fall, many got to see what Gord will look like in 30 or 40 years! (Or is that 10 or 20, Gord.) Inco employees and Sudburians of all ages took part, with one of the youngest being a lad named Alec who was just 7. After it was over, he received some good-natured razzing from his friends and family.

When the hair was all swept up, the total on the cheque read:   $60,000   (and counting we hear!)

It was a great effort all ’round and an event 105.3 EZ Rock was proud to be part of.

Thanks again to Vale Inco, Sears Hair Studio, all those who donated prizes, (and there were lots!), Quiznos and of course, Natalie Rivard-Austin and the staff and volunteers at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Nuff said!

I don’t know about you but sitting down to watch television at night with our children isn’t as easy as it used to be.

It seems our evening choices have been reduced to “reality or murder investigations” and while I do enjoy some of the reality offerings .. some of them are obviously not family friendly.

I think back 20 to 30 years ago when families could get together and watch programs like Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons even Bonanza was a favourite around our place.

Those days are obviously gone .. or are they?

Rich and I recently named some of our favourites including some Canadian oldies like “The Adventures in Rainbow Country” and the “Forest Rangers.”

Have you got a favourite?   Please let us know by clicking on the Comments bar below.

Thanks  Rich and Gary

Sunday, April 6th marked the 25th Easter Seals Telethon. Just sending out a quick late-evening ‘Thanks’ to all those who watched, made a donation and took part behind the scenes. A great event all ’round. As co-hosts from noon to 3, Gary and I got to work with some wonderful people. It’s always amazing to see the tremendous giving spirit that exists in Sudbury and all across this province.

**When it was done, the total for Sudbury and the north was:  $393,250

**The overall total:   $4,302,526 !!

Thanks to all for knowing what’s truly important.

Rich  :-) 
 

Just a quick note on Rich’s new vehicle and it’s new vehicle smell.

It really is a beauty and yes it does resemble the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, especially with the LED, or is that LCD speedometer. (It’s got lights)

As for the Beech household .. with spring trying it’s hardest to arrive, it’s time to hit the local car wash and give my van a clean up… inside and out. It’s a 2002 but so far (fingers crossed) it’s been a very dependable ride.

As for my vehicle history… The first was a 1971 Volkswagen fastback.

After that came a ‘79 Honda Civic Special X, then an 81 Pontiac Grand Prix (I think) my first ever new vehicle was a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, then a 96 Ford Windstar, a 98 Ford Windstar and now the 02 Pontiac Montana.

With warmer temperatures arriving, I’m sure a lot of us can hardly wait to get out and walking and cleaning up around the yard.  It really has been a long winter hasn’t it?