The Ted Henley Blog - 660News Calgary

Today is Day 1 of my holiday shopping blitz.

Yes… I am a last-minute Charlie. You will see me in any of Calgary’s biggest malls - powering my way through crowds - trying to get through the checkout line in as little time possible.

I feel good about what lies ahead.
I’m pumped to begin.
I’m hydrating.
I’m ready to hit the stores.

To help with the marathon… I am promising myself five things:
5) I will stick to my list… well…if I had one.
4) I will block out all Christmas music by wearing my iPod.
3) I will not get lured into the SONY store by the new Bravia LCD HDTV televisions.
2) I will listen to my Mom and wear underwear without holes.
1) Most importantly… I will keep my head up.

Yes… what my hockey coach drilled into me applies off the ice. If you don’t keep your head-up you’re going to get hurt. Nobody needs a black eye from the high-elbows being thrown right now.

Happy Shopping!! I have your back if you watch mine…

It’s harsh first thing in the morning… but today I realized I’m getting old in a young city like Calgary.

The Republik - once an alternative/indie rock hot-bed in Calgary will re-open its doors this month. It’s a bonus Christmas gift for anyone over the age of 35. I yelled in the 660News newsroom how excited I am…and a younger member of our staff responded with “…do you mean Banana Republic?” It was a crushing blow to my aging ego.

Band’s like Green Day, Cracker, Wilco, the Goo Goo Dolls - they all played The Republik early in their careers. Others followed… like Hole, the Matthew Good Band, Juliana Hatfield and Our Lady Peace. Even Grandmaster Flash and the Bay City Rollers have gigged there.

The Republik was a smoky, grungy, and at-times smelly place – but it had a lovable charm. Anyone who was in Calgary during the late ’80s and through the ’90s will have spent time hanging out there.

Here’s to a new generation of music fans discovering The Republik.

If the new club is half as cool as the old one - you can count on me supporting the cause. I guess that brings up another sign of my age: I’ll be home now before last call.

I put up a brave fight, but it’s over. I’m joining the many people in
Calgary who have officially lost their battles with a nasty virus that’s going around the city.

Like many workplaces, the halls of 660News are filled with the sounds of coughing and sneezing. Chances are if you aren’t sick, then the person next to you is. I don’t know about your office, but the 660News newsroom is set-up with an open concept. With that in mind, I blame the Morning Show’s producer Radana Suk for giving me her plague. The bad news is she considers it my Christmas gift — but that’s a topic for another blog.

The good news is you get to laugh at me while I’m sick. There’s nothing like saying “660News time is blank” with a stuffed nose. Or should I say “660Bews tibe is blank”. Try saying “Daybid Sbence with the webber” or “Cab-tain Kirk has traffic”. Even my name is brutal: “Teb Hebley”. Definitely lots of good tape for the Christmas party blooper reel.

The only good thing about being sick is the food. Chicken Soup is one of my all-time favourite soups. In my world garlic goes with everything – including chocolate. And any excuse for a hot-toddy is welcome.

With that in mind… send me your favourite “feel better” food suggestions at ted.henley@rci.rogers.com.