Canada Day

So lemme see now...rebuilt the shed, attended to a few other
outstanding domestic chores, managed to squeeze in a game
of golf, a nice supper, and have watched with interest as
NHL teams paid obscene dollars for some Free Agent hockey
players. Still no word at this point where Ottawa star
Danny Heatley will end up - he negotiated a no trade clause
in his year old contract - a new coach came in and demanded
that Heatley work both ends of the ice - so Heatley demanded
a trade. Heatley's not a particularly sought after commodity
so Ottawa worked out the best deal they could with Edmonton -
and Heatley's baulking. No trade clauses should be abolished
in professional sports. When athletes are making 7 to 20
million dollars a year there's not much a coach can do to
get a prima donna's attention. Pro sports is a mess.
Hockey players are better than most despite Heatley's efforts
to tarnish the brand. For my money tennis players are
among the worst on the men's side of things. Andy Roddick and
Roger Federer come to mind immediately. I saw Federer a couple
of weeks ago mistreat a nameless ball boy chasing him around
trying to give him a towel. Federer treated this youngster
with complete and utter indifference bordering on disdain.
Shamefull behaviour from one of the stars of the game.
I won't dither on long here...Except to say that I feel
very fortunate. I enjoy good health, have a terrific family,
a good job, I got my new Martin guitar this week ( replacing
one obtained a year ago that had issues )I play golf
every week with fellas whose company I thoroughly enjoy,
and have enough going on to most days keep me out of
trouble and entertained....
I shot 80 today. Bogeyed two short par fives, three short par
fours and slipped into a deep sleep on three other occasions.
Just another day on the golf course...another Canada Day on
the golf course...Happy Canada Day to you..
Bless.

So....Here's the Deal....

The polls are closed - the new government for Nova Scotia
has been decided and after all the headlines the story that
has emerged that has everybody scratching their heads is
"Why was there record low voting ?"
Some very smart people are saying we need to educate people
on the system - start explaining the system to school aged
kids - get people to know and understand how the system
works.
There in lies the rub...The most obvious fact that appears
to be overlooked in all this - is that only our politicians
and pension sucking bureaucrats think the system works at
all !
In North America we vote people out of office - we don't
vote people into office. The recent provincial election
in Nova Scotia is a perfect example of how this game is
played.
The people were pissed at Rodney MacDonald and his arrogant
PC's. The Liberal Leader was someone new that no one in the
province had had any chance to get any kind of a "feel" for.
The NDP's banner was carried by a comfortable old shoe
Darrell Dexter....he's been around awhile....
All three are politicians...Darrell Dexter and the NDP
didn't win an election. They were the only remaining choice
for an electorate so frustrated they had no where else to
turn.
The fact is - and the next four years will bear me out -
the party in power will make little difference.After
greasing the wheels of the mega-machine that powers
Province House - we may be further in debt - so far in
debt that generations will be left trying to dig
themselves out - but any apparent improvement in the
quality of life for Nova Scotians will be non-existent.
If taxes on home heating oil are eliminated- and wait lines
at hospitals are reduced we'll be taxed somewhere else.
That's just the way the system works.
Our Provincial and Federal governments already take in a
shameful amount of money..so much so that it's impossible
to keep track of...and that is why there lacks any
accountability for what governments do with our
tax dollars. And that is why the system doesn't work.
And that is why we don't attract leaders to government.
We attract ( with very few exceptions ) people who thrive
in an environment where doing something takes the place
of doing the right thing - and as long as it keeps the heat
down and silences the detractors - something is as good
as we can expect.
I did not vote for the first time...and it felt odd not
doing so. But I have to add my name to the apparently
growing number of people who recognize that our system
is broken...government, our system, is inefficient,
ineffective, unhearing and uncaring.
Those that represent us who do honestly care, and can hear,
unfortunately don't have the strength or power to right the
ship...and so it rolls on and on and on....
Wait until the impending Federal Election...watch the voter
turnout for that one. Wanna bet we set another record.
It is not because we don't care...and it is certainly not
because we don't understand.
People don't vote because the system is broken and that's the
way our politicians and bureaucrats like it.
Hmmmmmm....

I Have An Idea

What we need is an election...
In Nova Scoltia we don't need -
Better roads....we need an election.
Better health care...we need an election.
Improved education...we need an election.
A better idea of where our tax dollars are going...
we need an election ( lots of tax dollars for that one ).
What a snooze fest. Everyone I speak with finds themselves
grappling with the same dilemna.
Rodney MacDonald has done nothing - and has shown no
indication of having any desire to do anything - other
than be a politician.
Most people I know are deeply afraid of the New Democrats.
Those of us who already cringe at the bulk of government,
the inefficiency of government, and the wanton waste and
abuse of privilege we already see at all three levels of
government in this country cannot fathom what life would
be like with the NDP driving the bus.
The Liberals - they shouldn't be an option.
Even though it was the Federal Liberals under Chretien
who gave arrogance and corruption grand, new meaning -
it's hard to imagine even a Canadian forgiving any
Liberal Party for the stench attached to that brand.
So there you have it...
The bigger problem as I see it is that we are devoid of
leaders in this province. Our politicians are politicians
and nothing more. They talk the talk but it stops there.
I fail to see how any of the choices were are offered has
any kind of plan for making a positive difference. It's
win - and then same old same old is good enough.
I started eating yogurt this week. Every day. I thought
the new active probiotic ingredient was doing wonderful
things for my regularity...then I saw one of the PC's
campaign commercials on TV..."need a government with a
plan - with a proven record"...it may not be the yogurt.
Enough..I had another idea the other day...so a buddy and
I drove down to Berwick Heights Golf Course about 15 minutes
the other side of Kentville, NS. What a pleasant surprise !
I went down there about nine years ago when it first opened
and got a tour of the layout. It was still very rough.
Well from the ugly duckling has emerged a swan.
What a nice golf course..and when you take advantage of the
two play for one green fee that comes with the Lung
Association's Golf Privilege Club booklet , we're talking an
incredible value for your golfing dollar. The holes are
varied, from wide open links style to tight tree lined,
there are short par fours where big numbers are possible
for those who get too ambitious and it seems that
those who take the time to properly map out a strategy
for each hole they can do very well. The greens are large and
beautiful, firm and true...try it sometime. I'm sure, like
me, you'll enjoy it.
Oh, and by the way...the Golf Privilege Club Book. What
a nice thing to have...if you like golf and plan to play
more than three times over the summer you have to get
one. Here's the deal...it's fifty bucks. For your fifty
dollars you get two for one green fees at over 50 courses
in NS, plus courses in PEI and New Brunswick, Maine and
New Hampshire. There are also discounts in the book for
hotels, driving ranges and things like that. If you
want more information google the Lung Association of
Nova Scotia or just pick one up at the nearest Pharmasave.
It's a great deal for you and the money goes to help
kids with breathing problems.
Two dogs are telling me it's time to wrap it up...
Here's hoping for a sunny weekend...no, I mean in
Nova Scotia !
Happy Trials.

Fantasy

I had a dream last night....
I was walking, sun-bathed through knee-deep, warm, waving, golden
summer grasses in a meadow far removed.
I could hear in the distance carefree, childhood, laughter chasing
dancing butterflies - And there you were - eyes full of joy - and
smiling - always smiling. And there you were.

So...how was your weekend ?
Took Tyler and Kim off to the Airport this morning at 5:30...
Tyler looks great...100 pounds lighter than he was - full of
enthusiasm and obviously happy to have Kim by his side.
Two Maritimers - from Metro - living and meeting in Ottawa.
That's great - and she lived up to the advance rave reviews she
received from Tyler's Grandmother. Nice lady. They have a long
day ahead.
Despite forecasts that called for rotten weather all weekend -
I did manage to squeeze in golf everyday.The final round was
a tournament round and despite having a partner who played
brilliantly enough for us to win our division - I have to
say that six hours on a golf course in any conditions is
ridiculous...ridicuous to inexcusable. I don't care what
the format is - if it can't be played in a maximum of four
and a half hours - it should not be played..even on a
nice day four and a half hours is plenty of time..in the
cold and the rain six hours is not a game - it's a sentence.
As good as the Washington- Pittsburgh series was will
there be anything better than Pittsburgh-Carolina in this
year's run to the Stanley Cup ? Last night's game is going
to be hard to top...
Go Jays !
Gotta run....
Bless

That Was Then - This Is Now

So nearly a decade or so ago I sort of inherited a golf radio
program - that's the short version of the story and it will
suffice for this exercise. The inheritance kind of came out of
nowhere and while I had an idea of how I wanted to tackle the
beast I was, I freely admit, ill-prepared.
First of all, while I would have no problem talking about golf
for an hour on the radio, there was no chance I would screw up
my weekend morning tee times ! There was also the threat with
my ever present potty mouth that after ten years of not being
on-air to go live might be a source of concern. So, it was
clear that pre-producing the whole shooting match was the
preferred ( only )( sensible ) course of action.
So it began....and eight years later the show appeared to
have outlived it's usefullness - the station that hosted the
program changed format - and it appeared there was no place
for it to go...except the web.
Eight years of pro-tips from some of the region's best known
CPGA Pros, features on some really good golf courses in
the maritimes, some wonderful stories and a collection of
quotes, book reviews and funny conversations with golfers
of all skill levels all now have a new home.
Thanks to my older brother Doug from Ottawa who patiently
held my hand through the process, - the new
www.atlanticgolfradio.com is up and running.
It's still not where I hope it will be - and in the months
ahead you will witness it's transformation - but the basics
are there...please stop by for a visit. I hope you'll enjoy
it.
I saw James Taylor on Elvis Costello's new TV show last week.
It's the only episode I've watched to date - I am not an
Elvis fan - but I have to say I got a tremendous kick out of
the two of them singing "Crying In The Rain." What a great
tune...I remember it being a hit for the Everly Brothers and
was surprised to find out it was written by Carole King.
I took it out to the Monday night group I play with every
week - don't know whether it will make the playlist or not
but there's lots of room in that song for pretty harmonies.
Gotta Go...it's way past my bedtime..I know because the
border collie is whining at the office door - she wants
me to shut it down. We do have a routine after all...
Till next time - hittem long and hittem straight.
Don

Is It Just Me ?!?!?

Another birthday comes and goes...
Thanks to all of the wonderful friends who through
facebook, email, phone and cards, thought enough to
say "Hi" and wish me a happy day...even Steve who
said he would come and visit except "old people
depress him..." Now that's funny - I don't care who
you are.
Perhaps it's due to the teen years I spent in Lahr
Germany - or the "beer years" I spent in Kitchener-
Waterloo - but my birthday supper of schnitzel was
a real treat - and the fact that it was the warm-up
to the first game of golf of the year made it all the
more delectable...
With word that Oakfield may be a while yet before it's
greens and fairways beckon - Eaglecrest again this
year was the site of the first tango of the season.
Bad knee held up and the hills didn't stop me so I guess
it's all systems go...Predictably the short game was a
little less than stellar and I'm not sure that I'd reflect
proudly on fairways hit or greens in regulation, but I
did manage a few solid shots and a couple of legitimate
birdies so I'm anxious to tee it up again...like anything
could have happened that would have resulted in anything
else.
Which leads me to - Wells...Vernon Wells. If someone had
told me years ago that I would be watching the Blue Jays
during the Stanley Cup Playoffs I would have protested
enthusiastically...au contraire ! Well...so far this
NHL Post Season I've watched a greater percentage of
Jays inning played than I have playoff periods to date.
Don't get me wrong - I love watching hockey...when it's
played well. But the Caps and Rangers, Hurricanes and
Devils, Blues and Canucks, Calgary and Chicago, Detroit
and Columbus, Anaheim and San Jose, Pittsburgh and Philly
somehow fail to compell. Pittsburgh and the Flyers is a
series with some merit, as is Carolina and New Jersey but
the rest are duds or simply on TV too late..
Now the Blue Jays...suspect pitching after the ace "Doc"
Halladay, potentially powerful offence and Manager Cito
Gaston back at the helm - it's a concoction from which
something magical could emerge.
But I have to say that when I see Vernon Wells - and to a
lesser degree rightfielder Alex Rios leaving runner after
runner on base, coming to the plate representing the two
biggest paycheques on the roster ( among everyday players )
I get really irritated...sandpaper on dry skin irritated.
When I see Wells nonchalantly one hand flies hit to his
field it makes me nuts. Based on nothing else than his status
on the team Wells should be making every effort to
appear focussed and the picture of concentration on every
play. Wells should be setting the standard for his teammates
in the same way that Halladay works harder than any other
pitcher...Wells owes it to his team and the fans.
I was heartened to hear that Kenny Perry who dropped the ball
on the final few holes to lose the Masters is back at it
this week on the PGA Tour. Perry plays his heart out everytime
he tees it up but could be forgiven for taking some time
off to grieve over his Masters Mishap. What changed his
mind prompting him to get back at it as opposed to disappearing
to lick his wounds ? Phil Mickelson, Scott Hoch and Greg
Norman were among those who called Perry to praise him for
his performance and encourage him to look back on the
positives associated with the way he played so well at
Augusta. Perry also reportedly received a truckload of
well wishes from golf fans world wide. He played well -
so very well - and he deserves to look back on the 09 Masters
fondly.
For those who have visited the website www.atlanticgolfradio.com
please be patient. Changes are coming...keep checking in.
Thanks...til next time..hittem long and hittem straight.
Don

Hardass

I am the first to admit..I should avoid listening
to radio talk shows...invariably I emerge from the
car feeling there are things that have not been
said...such was the case Friday...
For discusion - " An individual discovered a thief
stealing his All Terrain Vehicle...he hopped in
his car, chased the guy, ran him off the road and
shot him with his shotgun...he didn't kill him but the
"suspect" is in hospital...Were police justified in
laying charges against the shooter ? "
Respondents both supported the individuals' right to
defend his property and the fact that charges had
been laid. On the one extreme the sentiment was
expressed that the only thing the shooter was
guilty of was being a bad shot and not killing the
thief....the more moderate view was that having your
ATV stolen and tolerating you shooting the thief was
a road down which we dare not go.
My question is why is this happening in Canada ?
How have we gotten to the place where Canadians
would even consider appropriate this kind of
response to the theft of anything - much less a
recreational vehicle ?
The answer is , in my view, Canadians no longer
feel protected by our justice system.
Obviously in any shooting police are justified in
laying charges.
Police are simply doing their jobs following the
letter of the law.
Having said that, would the person in question here
have resorted to gun violence if he were confident
that upon conviction a thief would receive a sentence
that would somehow discourage repeat offences ?
More of our lawbreakers need to do jail time.
More of our jail sentences have to involve serious
jail time.
And our jails should be houses of misery, hard labour,
and frankly places people do not want to go.
Long hours of physical labour, mandatory physical
labour. Nourishment that is nourishment in it's
minimalistic most basic form and life devoid of
luxury. Criminals should be living harder lives
than even our most impoverished families.
As a young court reporter, decades ago, I sat through
the trial of a repeat drunk driving offender who
crashed his car and spent weeks in hospital. A rare
judge showed rare wisdom in ruling that the taxpayer
should not be burdened with the offender's hospital
bills and that he should be responsible for the
costs associated with his recovery.Needless to say
I support a system where anyone who suffers injury
in the process of committing a crime be held
responsible for bills associated with recovery.
We need a system of justice in this country which
respects those who respect the laws presumably
designed to protect from those who choose to
offend.
There should be no excuse for Canadians taking the
law into their own hands - but there is also no
excuse for Canadians feeling the need to.
We live in a wonderful country - it's worth
protecting.
Till next time - hittem long and hittem straight.