1050-CHUM

Posted on November 17, 2008

It was a sign for the ages, on a building for the ages. It was simple. A red ball on top, and neon letters spelling vertically down, 1050-CHUM. The radio station I grew up listening to. The radio station I grew up working at. Now the sign is gone, a part of Toronto’s history has disappeared. I’ve heard rumours that it will resurface on another building, now that CHUM has been taken over by CTV. I sure hope so. Allan Waters brought rock n’ roll to Canada. CHUM was THE radio station to listen to in the 50’s 60’s and early 70’s. I spent eight glorious years there, from 72 to 80. Jay Nelson, Tom Rivers, Terry Steele, all legends who have left us. It was one of the momentous times of my life. On a cold early winter afternoon, it was sad to walk by the building that will soon make room for condos, to know that a piece of Toronto history is being torn down. A buidling, and a sign that meant so much to so many people, who worked there, and listened to the station. I for one will miss it.

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4Wing, Cold Lake, Alberta

Posted on November 6, 2008

There are times in ones life that stand out, and you know, will never be repeated, unfortunately. I had one of those experiences today in Cold Lake Alberta. I’m here, at the invitation of the Canadian Air Force to be their guest speaker at the annual Mess Dinner. This afternoon, I had the privilege of being a passenger in an F-18 Hornet. In case you’re wondering the f-18 is a fighter jet. The pilot, Colonel Chris Hamilton, took me up for about 35 minutes this afternoon, and it was something I will never forget. The day started with a medical briefing to make sure I was fit to fly. Then a briefing on how to strap yourself into the cockpit. That in itself is an experience. Then, the g-suit fitting and then the “piece de resistance”, the flight itself.
It’s almost impossible to describe… Traveling faster than the speed of sound, performing vertical climbs, barrel rolls… feeling the force of 5 g’s on your body. It was over before it started, and it was something I will never forget. I wish I was still up there. Thank you 4-Wing. Thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Day for inviting me, and thanks to Chris Hamilton, a great pilot and a great Canadian. In fact every single man and woman on this base is to be commended for their service and sacrifice to our country. I feel privileged to be in your company.