Has The VOice...On and Off the Ice

Tim Tebow Poetry + Shane Koyczan + Roberto Luongo

2012-01-16T14:19:00.000-08:00

There were some shocking surprises this weekend in the sports world!

As predicted, Tebow and Denver had a real tough time in New England! New Orleans lost in San Francisco while the defending Super Bowl champion Packers lost their first playoff game!

New England 45 Denver 10;
San Francisco 36 New Orleans 32;
New York Giants 37 Green Bay 20

Hope you enjoyed my Tebow Twitter Poem above. I wouldn't call it Slam Poetry. We'll leave that to Shane Koyczan, who I first introduced you to about two years ago:

Do you remember Roberto Luongo of the Canucks reciting poetry?
Hockey Hilarity via Poetry

Time To Ride Tebow's Arm To Victory in NE? NO!

2012-01-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Who could have predicted that Tim Tebow would come up big in the Wild Card game on Sunday the 8th?

Apparently, I did:) 29-23 was the final for Denver over Pittsburgh. Here are the highlights - finishing with a winning touchdown pass in overtime! Wow! Tebow had more 40+ yard completions in the second quarter alone (3) than Mark Sanchez had for the New York Jets all season!

Here are the Top 10 Tebow Tidbits from the game from ESPN.

The Denver Broncos last played a Saturday playoff game on January, 14, 2006 versus New England. Six years later, on the same day, it will be the same opponent. These were the last two teams my Buffalo Bills played this season:

We had a collapse of sorts against New England: 49-21 on New Year's Day in Foxborough. My voiceover on the "Thurman Thomas Show" is 2:32 seconds in here.
The Bills overpowered the Broncos on Christmas Eve, 40-14. 3:30 seconds in for my Game Recap as Tim Tebow was intercepted three times.

This weekend I think the Brady train will prevail over Tebow. Have to go with New England! As for your Super Bowl winner on February 5, I'm picking the Green Bay Packers to repeat.

Time To Ride The Bike?

2012-01-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

The subliminal advertising message below is:
"LIGHT it up in 2012. Have a great year!"
And keep your New Year's resolution of exercising:)

Nice mild winter day in Kelowna, BC. In fact, my wife is out biking right now.

I just entered this contest for a bicycle trip for two to Vietnam. Cycling is one of the finest ways to experience the varied landscapes and cultural highlights of Vietnam.

Here is the link to a funny bike commercial I recently voiced.

Tim Tebow walks the talk

2011-12-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

I just tackled Santa under our Christmas tree! He tried to take my Tim Tebow mint coin, new Sports Illustrated and my retro Broncos jacket. Hey Santa - Red is your color!

Tim and his Denver Broncos will be in Buffalo this Saturday for their next game so I will no doubt be talking about Tebow on my next Buffalo Bills' game recap. We lost yesterday to Miami, 30-23, but with the short week, we won't be recording a new "Thurman Thomas Show" this week.

Tim Tebow was Mic'd Up against the Chicago Bears on December 11. Quarterbacks LEAD by example. Have a look here:

Let's wrap this up under the Christmas tree with a Tebow rap called "All He Does Is Win":

Kelowna gets some great exposure!

2011-12-08T00:16:00.000-08:00

I am not the only one who loves Kelowna! Wow!

A shout-out (including hockey) on Jimmy Kimmel Live! thanks to Taylor Kitsch.
NFL rookie guard, Danny Watkins, remembers his firefighting roots.
On "The Ron James Show", wackiness at a winery, beautiful valley views and the Ogopogo. Scroll to the 17:35 mark for a 2 1/2 minute fun feature.

More hockey...

Location, luxurious living...Voiceover by yours truly:

Predicting the Football Future

2011-11-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

Too bad I didn't place a bet yesterday on the Grey Cup!

Our team in British Columbia, the Lions, won 34-23 in front of 54, 313 fans at BC Place Stadium. An amazing turnaround as they started the season 0-5!

Let this be an inspiring message for the Buffalo Bills, who have dropped four straight now to sit at 5 wins and 6 losses. The Jets (not Winnipeg's) beat us yesterday, 28-24.

Also, in the past seven seasons a team with a losing record after 11 games has made the NFL playoffs:

2004 - St. Louis
2005 - Washington
2006 - Philadelphia
2007 - Washington
2008 - San Diego
2009 - New York Jets
2010 - Seattle

Go Bills!

Here is another prediction for you: the BC Lions will win the Grey Cup again in 2012!

Welcome Back, Crosby!

2011-11-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

Nice Movember moustache there Gabe Kaplan!
Flashback to the late '70's and a young John Travolta in red.

This guy needs no introduction. He returned to the NHL yesterday after missing ten months of action:

Four points for Sidney Crosby yesterday! That concussion cannot keep him from competing anymore! St. Louis will play Pittsburgh tomorrow and then Ottawa visits the Consol Energy Center on Friday. Buffalo doesn't have to worry about Sid the Kid until December 17. Whew!

The NHL is almost 94 years old. The ball/puck got rolling on November 26, 1917 and, as you can see at the link, the Ottawa Senators were one of the original teams. I had the opportunity to do a voiceover earlier this month recapping the Sabres' strong rivalry with the Senators. Where were you in 1997? The Red Wings won it all that season...

Best Deal Ever at McDonald's?

2011-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

That's what my script said yesterday for another Buffalo Sabres' sponsor read. I thought about going to McDonald's for my lunchtime coffee BUT I opted for my usual Tim Hortons.

Nice to have McDonald's on board though as a sponsor again with the Kelowna Chiefs. Building Stronger Community is the motto for this season.

Kelowna Chiefs taking part in the Remembrance Day
ceremony at the Rutland cenotaph.

Photo Credits to:

Alex Hill - Imagine Grafx

www.imgr.ca

Catching up on Football! 5 Buffalo Bills' Game Recaps

2011-11-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Kelowna is home to some retired CFL football players. That was the front page story last Friday by Warren Henderson of the Capital News. Here is the link.

On Saturday morning I had a great breakfast with NFL artist, Bob Mueller. He gave me several prints - including Deion Sanders as a Dallas Cowboy (the Buffalo Bills' next opponent) and Jim Brown, who many consider the greatest running back in NFL history. Deion made the Hall of Fame this summer and I love how he opened his speech!

Bob is a great speaker too!
Check out the link to an interview in late September on my blog.

I have not linked to any of my "Thurman Thomas Show" game recaps since late September so let's catch up:)

2:47 in here has the 23-0 shutout against Washington in Toronto from October 30.
3:00 in has the exciting 27-24 loss to the New York Giants on October 16.
2:56 in has the Bills' 31-24 thriller over Philly October 9.
23-20 loss in Cincinnati October 2. Game recap 3:02 in.
Best for last! 34-31 over New England September 25. 3:20 in for my segment.

Crazy Sunday statistic from the NFL: Patriots receiver Wes Welker had 9 receptions for 136 yards. Compare that to Chad Ochocinco, who has 9 catches for 136 yards ALL season. Ouch!

"Courageous" content

2011-11-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Last month, we had the chance to take in the movie "Courageous." Honor Begins At Home is what the tagline should read below. Sitting behind us at the Kelowna movie theatre was the stunt coordinator on the film, Jimmy Broyden. It was great to meet him. Jimmy has an awesome resume!

I went to high school in Kelowna with Stu Aspinall. He is a firefighter in Coquitlam, BC now. It is Stu's birthday tomorrow and, more importantly, with Veterans Day/Remembrance Day (Canada) coming next Friday, I wanted to share this very special song he wrote and the accompanying video he coordinated:

Please download the song from iTunes or cdbaby.com. It's only 99 cents and you will be helping a great cause. Feel free to share this with your friends!

Talent Runs (and Carves) in the Family!

2011-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Cardinals for winning the World Series!

Congrats to the Carvers of these pumpkins!

A word of wisdom from my sister-in-law, Tina.

Johnny Canuck from my nephew, Ben, in Prince George.

This is for Canuck fans everywhere!

Friday Football Commercial & Baseball's superhero: Freese

2011-10-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Things are looking good in Buffalo right now as both the Bills and Sabres have won twice as many games as they have lost. The Bills take a 4-2 record onto the field for their annual Toronto game this Sunday against the Redskins while the Sabres are in the middle of five straight home games and have a
6-3 record.

Heading into last night's 4-2 win against Columbus, the Sabres had scored 23 goals - matching 23 touchdowns by the Bills. The most famous #23 in sports right now is David Freese of the St. Louis Cardinals. He won game six last night in the eleventh after tying it up two innings earlier!
EXCITEMENT below!

Freese Frame 1
Freese Frame 2
David slay the giant in the Bible and Jesus was the son of a lowly carpenter. David Freese was in the spotlight last night and I figure the Cardinals have a great shot at winning game seven tonight against the Texas Rangers with Chris Carpenter on the mound.

I provided play-by-play and the announcer tag for the ELECTRIFYING football finish below. The commercial ran last weekend in northern and central California and Colorado:

Signed, Sabred, Delivered! Philadelphia can play 2nd fiddle

2011-10-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Most of my day was spent doing sponsor reads for the Buffalo Sabres' broadcasts on MSG-TV. I learned last Monday that I would be back for my fourth season with the team! However, I was not in the budgetary mix the last two years. So, this boy is "back in town"...The rock song which references that is second in line in this flashback of five openers I voiced a couple of seasons back for the Sabres. The President makes an appearance in the first one:

Also from a couple of years ago, Stevie Wonder performs for President Obama:

I spoke too soon last time. The Bills lost yesterday on a last second field goal to Cincinnati, 23-20...
We host the struggling Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday. Philadelphia has a Kelowna connection in the lineup: Danny Watkins. Read about his positive football vibes here:
Football & Hockey Dreams Becoming Reality
The negative vibes are here:
Prefer My Microphone over Microscope!

People can be so passionate about their sports teams.
Philadelphia fans have quite the reputation...
Hockey's Flyers had ten more points than the Sabres last season but I predict Buffalo will rack up more this season. Philadelphia plays Boston on opening night Thursday while the other Pennsylvania team, Pittsburgh, is in Vancouver. The Sabres get their season going on Friday against Anaheim and Teemu Selanne in Finland. One of our big free agent signings is from Finland - and a former Philly Flyer, Ville Leino. Happy Birthday (#28) this Thursday to Ville! Deliver 28 goals this season and Sabres' fans will love 'ya!

Friday Football Frenzy: Both Sides of the Border

2011-09-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Orchard Park is in the headlines! Here in Kelowna, BC the Orchard Park Shopping Centre is forty years old. With 170+ stores and services, it offers the largest selection of retailers between Calgary and Vancouver.

Orchard Park is where the Buffalo Bills play their football games and in this preview clip from this weekend's "Thurman Thomas Show", I mentioned it in my first sentence. But it's not about how you start, but how you finish. Sorry New England!

Big football game tonight in Vancouver as the BC Lions move into their renovated digs. BC Place Stadium came to life in 1983 in preparation for Expo '86 and has now undergone a $560-million facelift which includes a retractable roof and a huge centre-hung video board (only the Dallas Cowboys' is bigger). The BC Lions are on a roll with their first 5-game winning streak since 1985 where the club has allowed less than 20 points each time.

The Buffalo Bills should not have any problems this weekend in Cincinnati. We have beaten them ten times in a row! I hope I have not spoken too soon...

Buffalo Bills' "Ballroom Blitz" starring Fitz

2011-09-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

This rock classic starts off wondering if Steve and Andy and Mick were ready...

They WERE today for the Buffalo Bills as they blitzed Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, 34-31!

Steve Johnson had 8 catches for 94 yards today.
Andy Levitre protected QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who passed for 369 yards and two touchdowns!
Nick Barnett had six tackles and five assists on defense as Brady threw four interceptions! That's the same amount he had in all of 2010!

UFC 135 last night had Jon Jones beat Rampage Jackson. But that was nothing (because I don't watch UFC!) compared to Donald Jones' 101 receiving yards or Fred Jackson's 74 rushing yards today for the Bills!

Buffalo is the first team in NFL history to win consecutive games in which it trailed by at least 18 points in each contest. Here is my Game Recap (3:31 in) on the "Thurman Thomas Show" for last weekend's big comeback against the Raiders. Cue Fitzpatrick!

Six other games in the NFL today were also decided by just 3 points. Congratulations to the Steelers, Lions, Titans, Chargers, Seahawks and Buccaneers!

Memories from Modano, Mueller and Madden!

2011-09-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

Mike Modano called it a career today. He is 22nd all-time in NHL points and leaves as the highest scoring American NHL player ever, achieving that mark early in the 2007-08 season. Modano signed a symbolic contract with Dallas yesterday to retire with the franchise he helped put on the map. Thanks for the memories Mike!

Painting NFL memories from Kelowna, Bob Mueller:

Steve Sabol of NFL Films helped make it happen for Bob Mueller.

The NFL just tweeted about an hour ago: On the first official day of Fall, Steve Sabol remembers how he composed "The Autumn Wind." Enjoy! It's all about John Madden and the Oakland Raiders "back in the day." Bob Mueller just left a comment too.

I'll have my Game Recap from the Buffalo Bills' big win last weekend against Oakland in two days for you:)

Catch 22 - but NOT Fred Jackson! Commercial Fun!

2011-09-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Catch-22 is easier said than done.

Fred Jackson is number 22 on the Buffalo Bills and he ran for 117 yards yesterday as the Bills stormed back to beat the Oakland Raiders, 38-35, at Ralph Wilson Stadium. We were down 21-3 at the half. Fred Jackson is now #1 on the rushing list with 229 yards while Oakland's Darren McFadden is #2 with 222.

My Game Recap for last weekend's 9/11 win (41-7) in Kansas City is 3:13 in football fans:)

On September 22 this week, my blog turns five!

On the same day, the WHL launches into another hockey season on Shaw-TV with the Brandon Wheat Kings at Moose Jaw's new arena, Mosaic Place. There will be 32 regular season games broadcast this season and this is my fifth season voicing the promos.

I delivered this line 21 times in a directed voiceover session earlier this month. It's a spoof of the daily deals offered at Groupon. :20 seconds in for me on the finished commercial for PaycomOnline.com. Listen! You'll even hear the word Lunatic...

Powerful 9/11 sports stories featuring 2 Steves

2011-09-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

As the NFL prepared to remember 9/11 on the first Sunday of the year, Steve Mariucci shared his memories of the 2001 season. 1:13 seconds in.

Canadian Stephen Brunt commemorated the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with this video essay, "A Decade Later." Hear him 1:37 seconds in if you would rather bypass the footage.

By the way, Stephen Brunt has written bestselling hockey books, "Searching for Bobby Orr", and "Gretzky's Tears."

3:33 in (unless you count my station ID at the start): My segment (Offseason Recap) for the Buffalo Bills' "Thurman Thomas Show" this weekend. Can you believe the Bills had the biggest blowout on the NFL's opening Sunday? Wow! 41-7 over Kansas City!

Friday FUN: Acronym Mania!

2011-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

BB yesterday for me = Buffalo Bills and Basketball! My best exercise workout of the week happens every Thursday night with my basketball buddies. Here is a flashback from the spring:
Words of Wisdom from the BBall court

My exhibition season recap for the Buffalo Bills runs this weekend on the "Thurman Thomas Show." I'll post the segment (voiced yesterday) in a couple of days.

Our family stays fit here: KFY
Too much fat here: KFC

=====================

If you are a voiceover talent, check out VOAT. It is Dave Courvoisier's followup to NVOM. Here is the story. I appreciate your efforts Dave! I like these words of wisdom on Dave's blog today:

There’s still something about VO that has intrinsically changed my approach to RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNITY.

The Voice Over community has made me appreciate that:
1) I can’t do it alone…or at least that I do it much better with help.
2) My life is richer in association with others.
3) When I give unselfishly, I get that and more in return.
4) Others have similar struggles as I.
5) Together, we’re smarter, stronger, faster.
6) Being an island is lonely.

My two cents: Apply this in your relationships and community. It is not just for voiceover...

Be Choosy, Fit Your Philosophy and Be Creative

2011-09-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

Well, judging by my last three posts, pictures of threes are popular:

I read an interesting article last week in BC Business Magazine:

The Merits of Word-of-Mouth Marketing

It had three lessons. Briefly, be choosy with your marketing; Keep an eye on events, and when you find one that might fit your philosophy and style, act fast; and replace money with creativity. In other words, build your word-of-mouth marketing from the bottom UP and let your work speak for itself!

Hockey fits the bill in those areas for me. I voiced my first promo commercial Thursday for the WHL on Shaw TV. This is season five doing that. It came about after my first season in 2006 of voicing MSG-TV openings for the Buffalo Sabres. The Brandon Wheat Kings will be in Moose Jaw September 22 as the new arena, Mosaic Place, opens up in MJ. Former NHL coach, Cory Clouston, will be behind the bench for Brandon.

Look UP Friday night in Kelowna and you'll see me and my music man,
Cory Bell-Esau, in the press box at Rutland Arena.

You'll hear me as the public address announcer tonight. We are glad to be back for the Kelowna Chiefs' second season in the KIJHL. It is an exhibition game against the North Okanagan Knights. Our regular season home opener is September 17 against the Spokane Braves.

Prefer My Microphone over Microscope!

2011-08-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday's headline in our local paper was about the pressure Kelowna's Danny Watkins is under in Philadelphia, where he is protecting quarterback Michael Vick, who just signed a six-year, $100 million contract today.

I like the deadline pressures associated with voiceover work. I prefer that over a physical beating on the football field:-) The start of my week sees me halfway through a 12-page prototype module for NAPA Auto Parts. Once this gets approval, we will have fifteen modules to complete by next spring. This is in addition to eight longer training modules this year for another division at NAPA. I hope to wrap this prototype up tomorrow and then begin voicing a 169-slide bank handbook due for another client after the long weekend.

Friday Facebook FUN! Kids Are Cute!

2011-08-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

We haven't done FFF (April Fools' Day edition) since April 1 so here we go HOT off the press with my status earlier this afternoon:
HEY! HST tax out in BC today!
Yesterday, the Buffalo Sabres renamed HSBC Arena First Niagara Center...

Wednesday's picture of the week:

My kids recreating a pose from their early days: Ashley, Justin & Jordan Hass. Great idea and photo by my niece, Nicole!

Wednesday afternoon Facebook status: Happy Birthday to my wife of 23 years on August 24th - Darlene rocks!

Monday's video link: Not only do players start at a young age, so do hockey announcers!

Monday morning link: Sad to share this news as cancer claims another fine man...
Canada is weaker without Layton’s passion, conviction and smile

Let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. ~ Jack Layton (1950-2011)

Sunday Faith Building: Rabbi Hess, Barrin Simpson and Reggie White

2011-08-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Baseball has been making regular appearances on my blog lately. Yes, Ralph Hass has been blogging baseball!

Thursday, Rabbi Hess blogged baseball on Ralph Branca and his faith journey. He was the pitcher who gave up the Bobby Thomson homerun in 1951 dubbed "the shot heard 'round the world" that won the pennant for the New York Giants.

Barrin Simpson plays solid defense for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League. He leads by example on and off the field. Here is Barrin's inspiring story.

This brings back memories of the late great Reggie White - nicknamed the Minister of Defense during his Hall of Fame NFL career.

Do you know Voice Pro No-No's?

2011-08-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

I've got you covered here with:

News
Weather
Sports

Funny-voiced weather man sparks "meltdown" of news crew - KOGO (San Diego) via Airchecker

Stephen Strasburg says ‘you know’ 24 times in 58 seconds
You will also enjoy:

Twitter, TWIB notes & Blizzard (for the kids!)

2011-08-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

The acronym, TWIB, involves baseball of course. The TV show started in 1977 featuring Mel Allen every week. He passed away in 1996 and Buzz Brainard is the current host.

I have been tweeting quite a bit about baseball lately. Yesterday:
#Baseball game in #Kelowna, BC last night and the Bellingham player's name was #Twitter-ific: Bobby Twedt Jr

@tim_micallef Are the Toronto Blue Jays "stealing signs?" No, it's a band from South Woodham Ferrers Essex: myspace.com/stealingsigns #MLB #ESPN

Tuesday's baseball Tweet:

#Kelowna Falcons are finishing the baseball season strong! 10-4 win against Bellingham tonight! #McDonald's Ronald McDonald sang Cdn anthem!

On Twitter yesterday:

Get caught up in the HOOPla! Revealed: The Official Name Of The Twitter Bird - AllTwitter via @alltwtr

Get caught up in the hoopla with this hooting owl, Luna! -- TELUS Learning Centre via @youtube

I posted a little earlier than usual today because I can remind you now to get a Blizzard and help the kids! Thursday is Miracle Treat Day at DQ®!

Happy 50th Pierre McGuire!

2011-08-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

This is my 50th blog post of the year and we'll mark hockey announcer Pierre McGuire's 50th birthday with this tongue-in-cheek compilation:

Pierre McGuire won't be working as much in Canada any more. He's moving to Canaan, Connecticut from Montreal and concentrating on his career with NBC and Versus.

Sunday Faith Building: Be Still

2011-07-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

I wonder if those ducks in my picture yesterday could sit still like that in a church pew?

◄◄◄There is a church renovation going on in our neighbourhood.

◄ Talk about a room with a view!

◄ If you build it, they will come. The line in the baseball movie "Field Of Dreams" in 1989 was "If you build it, he will come."

A work in progress is a good way to describe God's church and its people. We are not perfect - but we are forgiven.
Remember the childhood rhyme: “Here’s the church. Here’s the steeple. Look inside and see all the people.” I googled it and found it on the "Getting Down With Jesus" blog. "Church is people," says the author, Jennifer. "And Hope is the cord that ties the people. Hope is the thread that weaves through souls to make one Body. I’m part of this now — this one Body."

Her latest post is: Stand Still And See. We were also encouraged today at our church by Pastor Phil to be still this summer and listen for God's voice and His teaching.

Finally, congratulations today to Scott Stallings for winning his first PGA event! He quoted Philippians 3: 13-14 after his playoff victory against Bill Haas (close but no cigar in spelling to my last name) and Bob Estes.

A picture is worth a thousand QUACKS

2011-07-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

This was taken earlier this month at the family cabin. Let me give you five possible captions as I wrap up a third straight month with five posts:

a) The Duck$ stop here.

b) "(Sittin' On) The Duck of the Bay."

c) Got all your ducks in a row? There is a song by a band named Goonies never say Die called "Get All Your Ducks In a Row" while James Taylor's "Sun On The Moon" starts off with "In line, in line, it's all in line

My ducks are all in a row"

d) Summer White and the Seven Ducks

e) Don't worry. I've got your back. (A dog's eye view is here).

Canadian flavor at Cooperstown!

2011-07-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Two of the most famous Toronto Blue Jays ever were inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame today. Congratulations Roberto Alomar and Pat Gillick!

Alomar also became the third Puerto Rico native to be inducted, following Orlando Cepeda and Roberto Clemente. Pat Gillick became the 32nd executive to be elected to the Hall of Fame and first general manager since George Weiss in 1971.

Meanwhile, former Montreal Expos announcer Dave Van Horne was inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday.

Baseball sure has an international appeal! Today, pitcher Bert Blyleven became the first Dutchman in the Hall. Canada played a part in his youth after his family immigrated from Holland. They spent time in Montreal and Saskatchewan. Upon entry to Canada, the family name was changed from ‘Bljleven’ to ‘Blyleven,’ which Bert said meant ‘happy life’ in Dutch. Rather ironic that right now in the Canadian Football League, Montreal and Saskatchewan are playing. They have met for the Grey Cup title the last two years with Montreal prevailing as champs both times.

Poker Player or Hockey Ref?

2011-07-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

I just finished up some lines for a mobile game development studio and a poker game they have coming out. Looking at the lines, it struck me that they could have been used by a hockey referee over the course of a game too. Have a listen here.

My on-hold script didn't sound quite right today:
For Corporate relations, please press 3; For Human Relations, please press 4.
That brought to mind President Bill Clinton's infamous quote from 1998:
"I did not have sexual relations with that woman."
It was number two on TIME magazine's list of the Top 10 Unfortunate Political One-Liners.

Dynamite Yankees! Cano and Jeter

2011-07-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

~~Damn~~ Dynamite Yankees! Robinson Cano hit 32 home runs tonight to win the Home Run Derby at the All-Star game in Phoenix. His dad was pitching them to him.

◄◄◄My sons and I saw Cano hit a home run in this 2-0 win in Seattle. What a pitching matchup! Randy Johnson vs Felix Hernandez.

◄◄◄The next day (and new month) saw Seattle win 5-1.

In those two games, leadoff hitters Derek Jeter and Ichiro Suzuki didn't give us our money's worth. Jeter was 0-6 and Ichiro was 0-8.

Ichiro got his 3,000th career professional hit (in Japan and the US) in the summer of 2008. He currently has 2, 345 hits with the Mariners so 655 are needed before he accomplishes this just in North America. Only 28 players have ever done this - including Derek Jeter, who got his historic 3, 000th hit this past Saturday. To say it was dramatic would be putting it mildly...

Nice work Derek! You've got your ticket to Cooperstown...

Yankee Doodle Dandy!

2011-07-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is my 44th post of the year...so Happy July 4th or 44th!?

Number 44, BC's Jason Bay, helped the New York Mets beat the Yankees, 3-2, in extra innings today - spoiling the 44th birthday of Yankees GM, Brian Cashman. One year ago on July 4th, I paid tribute to the Yankees on my blog: Happy July 4th! Classic Steinbrenner on "Seinfeld."

The most famous number 44 in Yankees' history? Of course, Reggie Jackson. His number was retired in 1993. This list includes all the players who have had their numbers retired by the Yankees.

Seven time NHL All-Star Paul Kariya announced his retirement the other day. I paid tribute to Paul on my blog in early 2008: Fine 4444orm!

Now, in fine form with the title of today's blog post:

My Dad is a hero!

2011-06-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

We just finished watching Adam Sandler's "Big Daddy"as a family on Father's Day. One of two movies I received. The other was "Brooklyn's Finest."

I am truly blessed to have three amazing children and MY Dad, who continues his brave battle against cancer at Hospice House. Heaven is very close and my Dad is ready✝✝

Thank you for teaching me SO much Dad!
Father's Day -The First Action Hero

Pick the Canucks next year says the crystal ball

2011-06-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but brown beat blue in game 7 in Vancouver on Wednesday.

Boston wins the Stanley Cup! Congratulations!

I'll dedicate this one to all the Bruins fans...your Bruin eyes will be seeing the blue of Vancouver again - and we will win! Especially if you played this at your home games. It would probably cause your players to be skate like sissies:)

Don't worry...I do like country music. Maybe that will be my next songwriting attempt?

Thanks to everyone for your support of the CanuckStruck video anthem by RH/DC! Over 1, 500 views in the last two weeks! Stats show 79% of those are male while 70% of viewers are between the ages of 45-54.

Winners! Justin Hass ☑ Dallas Mavericks ☑ Canucks?

2011-06-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

"Déjà Vu"...Game five went to Vancouver Friday night, 1-0. Thank you for an assist Raffi Torres! The goal early in the third was scored by Maxim Lapierre. The Canucks can clinch the Stanley Cup Monday night on my son's 18th birthday. Justin graduated this weekend from high school!

Proud Mom, Justin & me at Friday night's ceremony

Congratulations tonight to the Dallas Mavericks who won their first ever NBA title, beating Miami 105-95, and taking the series four games to two. The blue team prevailed tonight and I'm hoping for the same result tomorrow in Boston!

Yes, British Columbia loves Boston!

NOT the Bruins but Boston Bar - a small community of a couple hundred people. It's close to Hell...Hell's Gate actually...lots of spawning salmon must pass through the part of the Fraser River there every year.

Beautiful blue skies Saturday for the grad tradition of the walk on the waterfront promenade.

The Hass starting five: Jordan, Darlene, Justin, Ashley & Ralph

CanuckStruck anthem (RH/DC) ☑Ralph Hass ☒Don Cherry

2011-06-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Canucks are causing quite a commotion right now…
Shooting for their first ever Stanley Cup against Boston!
Game one went to Vancouver last night, 1-0. Thank you Raffi Torres!

Who are you rooting for? Bobby Lou and the Canucks

Bobby Orr’s old Bruins?

The correct answer is:

V A N C O U V E R

We know it won’t be easy and we are expecting thunderous checks from Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic…
and probably Cam Neely in the press box…

Game two is Saturday at 5 pm. While we wait, please enjoy this most interesting musical interlude from yours truly and some truly talented friends:

Shaq retires!

2011-06-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Shaquille O'Neal retired today after a brilliant 19-year career!

I thought this song was a fitting tribute:

Cake-struck and Canuck-struck

2011-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our amazing daughter, Ashley!
She is 20 today!

The goofy guy below celebrated his 30th birthday in the spring of 1994 - the year the Canucks went all the way to the Stanley Cup finals, only to be disappointed by a game seven loss to the New York Rangers. That is a hockey shirt from the Las Vegas Thunder.

The Vancouver Canucks will be in their third Stanley Cup final beginning at home Wednesday, June 1. The Boston Bruins are the only team who can stop us from winning the Cup for the first time ever!

I have been involved this week in the imminent launch of http://www.canuckstruck.com/, one of the most creative projects I have ever been a part of. More details will appear on this blog soon.

Rocks, sticks & donuts?

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Kid Rock did a concert in Kelowna last Wednesday!

It looks like he has family here at the development by Benvoulin and Mayer:

Meanwhile, our provincial government is using stick people (not the Vancouver Canucks) in a $5 million ad campaign presenting arguments for or against the harmonized sales tax. TV, radio, print and online ads began appearing last week and continue until early July, when ballots will be mailed out to every household in BC in a referendum to decide the fate of the HST.

Canucks 4, San Jose 2 yesterday! And the Canucks' donut beats the new S'mores any time at British Columbia Tim Hortons too. To quote my friend, Jim Scanlon: "He shoots, he S'mores!"

SO what? SUN - that's what!

2011-05-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Today in 1986, Peter Gabriel released the album "So" - his first studio album to bear an official title instead of his name. Thanks for that @ThatEricAlper.

Ndamukong SUH - SO good as an NFL rookie last season in Detroit!

Ralph and Karina were eliminated from "Dancing With The Stars" this week.

This Ralph guarantees Katrina and the Waves are going to make your feet tap with this 1985 classic:

Bono's 50th birthday / Canucks continue Cup quest!

2011-05-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is my 35th blog post of the year. The number 35 was in the spotlight last night in Tennessee.

Nashville goalie, #35 Pekka Rinne, stopped 17/19 shots but was outplayed for a change by Vancouver's Roberto Luongo (23 saves). The Canucks beat the Predators, 2-1, to move into the Western Conference Finals starting Sunday by winning the series four games to two.
In Memphis, a classic triple overtime playoff game between the hometown Grizzlies and the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. NBA scoring champ, #35 Kevin Durant, had 35 points in the game and six in the third overtime period to lead Oklahoma City to a 133-123 win and knot the series at two games each.

DJ Dave, aka Dave Levinson, makes the music come alive at Canucks' games. Here is an interview with him. The Canucks come onto the ice with U2's "Where The Streets Have No Name." DJ Dave says, “Using U2, for me, became a Vancouver original. It was copied around the sporting world and as far as I know we were the first to use it. There was some concern that it was the old days, West Coast Express time, and it would remind people of Bertuzzi and Naslund and all that stuff, but fans of the team know it’s a Vancouver thing. And quite honestly we’ve tried a lot of other things and they never quite reached the mark."

Happy 50th birthday today to U2's Bono! His voice comes in at #1 on this list of 50 Things to Love About Bono on His 50th Birthday. The list has a lot of humor but some amazing qualities are pointed out like:
11. His heart
12. His faith
16. His successful marriage
25. His never-ending ambition
26. His never-ending loyalty to friends

When the U2360° tour wraps up at Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick on July 30, they will have grossed $700 million dollars and had 7 million fans in attendance. U2 are in Mexico City for their next three shows. They will be in Canada again on May 29 in Winnipeg.

Football & Hockey Dreams Becoming Reality

2011-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is my 34th blog post of the year - putting me on pace for a hundred in 2011! With the lucky 34th overall pick in last weekend's NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Aaron Williams from Texas. The most famous #34 that played for the Buffalo Bills was Thurman Thomas. His number was retired as he went into the Hall of Fame four years ago. Can't believe I will be heading into my fourth season voicing segments on the "Thurman Thomas Show" this fall! Feel free to check out the football footage on my YouTube channel.

I wrapped up my fourth season of voicing the Shaw-TV hockey promos for the Western Hockey League today. The league championship series starts in two days between the Portland Winterhawks and the Kootenay Ice.
If they stay calm, cool and collected, the Kootenay Ice can conquer Portland! The team is based in Cranbrook, BC - where Steve Yzerman
was born and the Niedermayer brothers (Scott and Rob) were raised.
Get your tickets now! I mean it...

With the lucky 23rd overall pick in last weekend's NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles picked a Kelowna kid: Danny Watkins!
He is an offensive guard who will help protect quarterback Michael Vick, who was sacked 34 times last season. To quote Don Cherry, "Way to go Danny Boy!"

Here is Danny's amazing video moment that most can only dream about...

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Kelowna gets the Stanley Cup before Vancouver!

2011-04-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Canucks survived such a scare against Chicago!

To quote goalie Roberto Luongo: "We didn’t script it this way, but you know what, all year long when our backs were against the well, we responded." Check him out today on "Pardon The Interruption."

The NHL is trending thanks to social media - and some great playoff action!

Can you believe the Stanley Cup made it to Kelowna last night before the big game?

It was through my Twitter friend, Bruce Stranaghan, that this photo of yours truly happened.

Bruce has social media skills! I find that too many folks do NOT know how to use social media properly or respectfully. For that reason, I dropped two folks for the first time on Twitter today since I started using it back on March 4.

Bruce probably would have dropped me as a "follower" IF I dropped the Cup...

Vancouver singin' the Chicago Blues!

2011-04-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

Kelowna audiences had the chance to enjoy the legendary Buddy Guy a week ago in concert. It was his first time here and the review in the Daily Courier newspaper said: "a living blues legend renowned for his ability to change gears in midstream, able to morph from raspy ribald whisperings
to screaming lead guitar pyrotechnics in a heartbeat."

It looks like 1957 was the year the now 74-year-old Buddy Guy left Louisiana to make his mark in Chicago. That year Montreal beat Boston in the Stanley Cup final and again in 1958. In 1959 and '60, Montreal took home the big prize against Toronto but in 1961 Chicago won the Stanley Cup against Detroit! Of course, the Chicago Blackhawks did not win it again until last season. They are now on quite a comeback trail against the Vancouver Canucks - winning their third straight playoff game yesterday! Game seven is tomorrow night in Vancouver.

A Chicago radio station with The Danny Mac Show had some fun today at Roberto Luongo's expense on "Luongo Weeps Tonight."
Striking back at Chicago is this four-year-old singer named Violet.

I am hoping the Canucks will be conquerors tomorrow!
This collapse was inconceivable the last time I blogged.

Rising to the occasion! Vancouver Canucks & Vancouver concert

2011-04-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

This headline from yesterday's Okanagan Sunday was a perfect follow up to my last blog post: Crunch time: NHL playoffs = beards!

Unfortunately, our hometown Kelowna Rockets were eliminated from the WHL playoffs last night against the Portland Winterhawks, 4-2. That ended up being the best-of-seven series result as well. Seems to be a popular hockey score right now as the NHL playoffs tonight saw Philadelphia beat Buffalo, 4-2, and Boston do the same to Montreal.

Wow! The Vancouver Canucks could sweep the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow! Cue the Sedin twins:

Vancouver's old NBA team won their first ever game in the NBA playoffs yesterday. Congratulations to the Grizzlies in Memphis! They won a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, 101-98, with Toronto Raptors announcer Matt Devlin on the mic.

On the microphone singing in Vancouver last night, Robert Plant lets out 'The Voice' in Vancouver. Led it be...Led it be...Zeppelin...

Crunch time: NHL playoffs = beards!

2011-04-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Canucks start their quest for the Stanley Cup at home tonight against the defending champion, Chicago Blackhawks. The word just came down on Twitter that the @VanCanucks hashtag for Round One is #3venge. Chicago has beaten Vancouver in the last two playoff seasons so we are taking revenge this time around!

Chicago 2010 wins Cup! Chicago 2011 NOT smiling!

My picture to the left sums things up.
Last year, Chicago had much more size (crunch!) in the lineup but they are too smooth now - missing big boys like Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, who are playing in Atlanta.

Playoff beards are a hockey tradition but beards are sprouting in baseball bullpens!

Gary Bender calls his final game tonight after 18 seasons with the Phoenix Suns. He spent 45 years in broadcasting and called 27 sports for CBS. Thanks for the memories Gary!

High 5's for Monday include the football field and Butterfield

2011-04-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Only 55 days until BC Lions training camp launches on June 5th in Kamloops. No numbers 55 or 52 on the current roster but the other 50's are there. Ed Jovanovski made the #55 famous for the Vancouver Canucks over seven seasons but has played for the Phoenix Coyotes
the last four seasons.

The Toronto Blue Jays have a #55. It's Third Base Coach,
Brian Butterfield. He dreamt about having that number.
Listen in a moment right here:

High 5's for Friday include the Sabres and Luongo!

2011-04-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

Dan Russell just mentioned on the broadcast that this series is the 55th in the history of the Saskatoon Blades. They trail Kootenay 3-1 in the third period.

Roberto Luongo had his 55th career shutout last night as the Vancouver Canucks beat Minnesota, 5-0.

Baseball's Manny Ramirez retired abruptly today - with 555 home runs to his (tainted) name...

Congratulations to the Buffalo Sabres, who officially made the NHL playoffs tonight! #55, Jochen Hecht, did not play tonight against Philadelphia - but look who's approaching 55 points on the season for the Sabres:

Brad Boyes - 52 points
Drew Stafford - 51 points
Jason Pominville - 50 points

Friday Facebook FUN! April Fools' Day edition

2011-04-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

We haven't done FFF (Justin Bieber edition) since February 18. Meanwhile, it's #FF on Twitter: #FF stands for "Follow Friday." Twitter users often suggest who others should follow on Fridays by tweeting with the hashtag #FF. Thank you for the mentions today Anne Ganguzza and NHLMedia!

My Facebook status this morning: Spending April Fools' Day on voiceover banking tutorial for bank fraud. I guess the two are a good match...

My Facebook status last night: Bring on the Cup! The Vancouver Canucks can become the 1st NHL team in ‘expansion era’ (from 1968 on) to lead in goals for/against, PP and PK in same season.

Thursday morning Facebook status: The cat is out of the bag...BATS are out of the (duffle or duffel?) bag! GO Blue Jays!

My Wednesday afternoon Facebook status: Yes, I took part in Whopper Wednesday...Did you know a Whopper contains HOPE? So does this local Kelowna blog: Buddy Breathing. ‎Congratulations to Leslie-Anne's parents for hitting 50 years of marriage today! Wow!

Tuesday afternoon link from the NFL - The Bengals have been called "quacks" for a long time...

‎Tuesday morning Facebook status: 7 on-hold messages just voiced...
2 were movie trailer reads. Phone FUN!

‎Monday morning Facebook status: The Final 4!! Basketball and days left in March...I like tomorrow (29th) as our son, Jordan, turns 16. I will also pick Kentucky to win the Final 4. *We will know if I'm right on Monday, April 4th...Until then, have a great weekend!

Twitter, Juno Awards and Odds!

2011-03-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

The cat is out of the bag!

For three weeks now, I have been on Twitter...I did beat my cat to Twitter after all...scroll to the end of this post from last summer.

Today on Twitter I learned that the Toronto Globe and Mail named #Rush's #RedBarchetta the top Canadian car tune in celebration of #Junos week. I just learned more about hash marks here. Click here for the Top 10 Canadian car tunes!

The Juno Awards go tomorrow night - honoring Canada's top musicians. As I finished up my fifth and final year with Warner Music Canada in 1996, I had the chance to take in the Junos out east in Hamilton.

The host for the evening was Burton Cummings while inductees into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame included:

David Clayton-Thomas (lead singer of Blood, Sweat and Tears)

Denny Doherty (The Mamas & The Papas)

John Kay (lead singer of Steppenwolf) #2 on the car list above.

Domenic Troiano (versatile songwriter, performer and producer)

Zal Yanovsky (member of the Lovin' Spoonful)

Ronnie Hawkins received the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award at the Junos back in 1996.

Below, I am with Craig Northey of Odds fame at a Juno party the previous night.

It was a year earlier on February 22, 1995 that I arranged for Odds to sing the national anthem at a Kamloops Blazers hockey game against the Prince George Cougars. The next night, Odds opened for the legendary Tragically Hip in Kamloops. See the autograph I got here!

Craig is a BIG hockey fan and he sent this note through to the Kamloops Blazers when they won the Memorial Cup later in 1995:

Keep up to date with Craig and Odds here.

March's third blog post: 3 Ralphs!

2011-03-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Nice work Ralph!
Macchio that is..."The Karate Kid" took down the boxer and the wrestler on the "Dancing With The Stars" season premiere last night.

Today on the NHL.com site they linked to a bunch of Dancing NHL Stars. Check out Gretzky and Roenick in LA or the nice moves of Dallas Stars announcer Ralph Strangis.

I am in playoff mode for the Western Hockey League playoffs starting this Friday on Shaw-TV. Here is my promo for the Battle of Alberta (since the NHL teams there won't be qualifying for the playoffs):

Words of Wisdom from the BBall court

2011-03-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

I was hooping it up Thursday night as usual with my basketball-playing friends. We have a regular group who play at Immaculata High School in a 35+ league. It has been a fundraiser for the school since 1992 and I have been part of the action for the last five years.

The picture here is from the gym and the quote belongs to NBA great Tim Duncan.

Congratulations to the Senior Boys basketball team from Immaculata on a great showing at the Senior A provincials! They will play for third tonight after losing a heartbreaking 60-58 decision to West Point Grey last night.

My son's team, the Kelowna Christian School Knights, are the number one ranked team in the tournament and play West Point Grey in the finals tonight at 7 pm. They will be coming home on the bus right after the game so pickup may be around 1:30 am...I better rest now...Go Knights!

Before my basketball on Thursday, the Kelowna Chiefs had another Pizza Appreciation night for staff and volunteers to wrap up a great first season in the KIJHL! As I blogged before, I appreciate Thank Yous!

It was my pleasure to serve as the public address announcer for my neighbourhood team. Several handshakes and even a couple of hugs as

I left the building...Hockey has a way of drawing people closer together.

Persistence and Perseverance

2011-03-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

Two recent newspaper articles ended with those words of wisdom from two bright ladies:

Dianne Buckner, the host of CBC-TV's hit reality business pitch show, "The Dragon's Den", was in Kelowna last week speaking at the Presidents' Dinner for the Chamber of Commerce. In the Kelowna Daily Courier on February 23rd she outlined her top 10 business tips for the crowd. #10 was Persistence. Learn and get better continuously.
Lori Welbourne's column in the Capital News on Sunday, Feb. 27th was her last there as she moves to the Daily Courier's eVent Magazine this weekend. Congrats Lori! The art of happiness says: Perseverance is the key and rejections are just tests to make sure we’re strong enough to push past the pain and carry on towards scoring our goals.

I encourage you to read Lori's whole column, The art of happiness, as she shares how a rejection letter to her cartoonist did not prevent him from reaching the top with MAD magazine.

==========================================

Here are the top 9 business tips Dianne Buckner shared for entrepreneurs last week in the Daily Courier:

Successful entrepreneurs know how to pitch to get a 'yes' answer. That's the whole basis of "The Dragon's Den" - pitching business ideas to get support and financing.
While focused, entrepreneurs also have to be open and flexible to make deals happen.
Tough times aren't necessarily bad times. Let them spur your creativity.
Stay abreast of trends. Eco-friendly and social media are hot right now.
Successful entrepreneurs are brief. (Another necessity on the TV show).
Great entrepreneurs have a comfort level with their own weaknesses. They understand them and deal with them.
While taking risks, entrepreneurs should still proceed with caution.
Nothing replaces hard work.
But don't work too hard. Respect your health and relationships.

Princeton's team out! Princeton's music lives on

2011-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

It was a very exciting game 7 win for the Kelowna Chiefs on Tuesday night against the Princeton Posse, 6-4! We were down three games to one in the series BUT battled back! Kelowna now plays the Osoyoos Coyotes in Round 2. Our first home games are Sunday, February 27 and Tuesday, March 1 at Rutland Arena. I am the PA announcer.

There is a band called Princeton and my friend, Sean Barrett, directed their new video:

On the map, Princeton, British Columbia is not quite as close to Kelowna as Hedley, BC.

You have probably heard of the band Hedley. Yes, they named themselves after the community of Hedley when the town made news for putting itself up for sale for $346, 000 dollars. No, they didn't buy it...

==================================

Don't buy the following as real news. It's the series I voiced the news openings for Sean Barrett and his creative friends:

More W4 News openings from yours truly can be found here:
Elvis – and the Sabres - have left the building!
CNN: Caveman Neanderthal Network?

Scoops: Voiceover, Hoops and Ice Cream!

2011-02-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Voice talent George Washington III is "scooping" up all kinds of "interesting, entertaining and informative voiceover articles from
around the web for voice seeker and voice actor alike."
Lots of great articles available here!

One on the front page today is James Earl Jones reading "Baby, Baby, Baby" by Justin Bieber:

Can you believe Justin Bieber was the MVP at the East vs. West Celebrity game on All Star Weekend?

Finally, David Letterman (and yours truly) made the Dairy Queen blog! Of course, he is the headliner and I only made a quick appearance in the comments

Friday Facebook FUN! Justin Bieber edition

2011-02-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Friday's feature photo offers some food for thought from the front of the Kelowna Daily Courier:
Canada's top 8 chefs are battling in a cook-off to win the title of Canadian Culinary Champion!

When I posted this on Facebook I said: The headline could also be "Chiefs chase crown" as we are going for the KIJHL title after, ironically, relocating from Chase! (Game 4 tonight in Princeton with game 5 Saturday at Rutland Arena at 7:00...The Chiefs are currently trailing the best-of-seven two games to one).

Justin Bieber is up there giving Canadian health care thumbs-up!

Enjoy this blog post from Bill DeWees:

What Voice Over Artists Can Learn From Justin Bieber

This Facebook link yesterday was from one of my clients, Francesca, at Legal Media, Inc.:
It’s OK To Care About What You Do

My Thursday morning status:
"Where amazing happens" is the NBA slogan. It happened in Cleveland last night as they beat the Lakers, 104-99!

Wednesday morning's status: The 12th Commandment:
Thou shalt not laugh at the Toronto Maple Leafs...

Tuesday morning's status: The 11th Commandment:
Thou shalt not Facebook...

Have a great weekend!

Sports Voiceover in Cleveland/NO VO for Canucks

2011-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Here I am doing a voiceover in Cleveland. Are YOU up to the sports challenge?

Love the feel to this Vancouver Canucks video! NO VO needed...

Creative Canuck Cake!

2011-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I ended my post by saying: 2011 Super Bowl champs: Green Bay Packers...2011 NHL Stanley Cup winners in June: Vancouver Canucks!

Who should be penalized two minutes for icing this cake? Sweet On You - Designer Cups and Cakes in Kelowna. My brother-in-law, Dave, was the lucky recipient! He is 40 today! Happy Birthday!

Good luck to the Canucks in St. Louis tonight...

Friday Facebook FUN! Hockey Potpourri on the eve of Hockey Day In Canada

2011-02-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Friday mornings status:
Our two oldest teenagers landed great new jobs this week!
Volunteering can open up doors folks:)

Late Thursday afternoon's Facebook status:
Looking forward to playing basketball tonight! Will wear a Kevin Garnett Boston jersey in honor of Ray Allen, who passed Reggie Miller tonight for first all-time in 3 pointers made in the NBA with 2, 561!

His Mom was there!

Wednesday afternoon status:
Thank you for the free buttermilk biscuit (and coffee!) today McDonald's...but call it a scone...

Tuesday afternoon Facebook status: Two Florida teams at home Tuesday in the NHL - but NO Canadian teams? What the H-E-double hockey sticks!!

Monday night (Feb. 7) status:
Monday saw Canadian NHL teams win in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver...Call it a preview to Hockey Day In Canada coming this Saturday, Feb. 12th!

Monday afternoon Facebook status: 2011 Super Bowl champs: Green Bay Packers...2011 NHL Stanley Cup winners in June: Vancouver Canucks!

Super Bowl - I told you so...Cue the music!

2011-02-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I ended my post by saying: I believe Mr. Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay will be the MVP and lead the Packers past Pittsburgh. 27-20 is my prediction. Enjoy the game - and the Super Bowl ads...

Last Tuesday (on my previous post) I finished with these words: pick the Packers to beat Pittsburgh! They are the greatest thing since sliced cheese...

I was right Sunday- and close on the score! 31-25 for the Green Bay Packers! And Aaron Rodgers was indeed the MVP! Brett Favre never did that...

====================================

This is my 16th post of 2011 and I haven't linked to any music videos yet this year. My last music video link was December 29th on Great hockey contest! Great music video!

The following Super Bowl ads feature some classic songs. First up, a reworked version of Ram Jam's "Black Betty." It's by Jon Spencer and the Blues Explosion. It is also for Volkswagen - like the cute Darth Vader one in my last post.

Another classic comes into play here by Elton John - thanks to Budweiser:

Which Super Bowl ads did Canadian musician Greg Sczebel like the most? The answer is on his blog.

That was a great Smash Mouth Super Bowl football game!

"Hey now, you're an All Star, get your game on, go play!" Here is a classic music video link...my first of the New Year!

Friday Facebook FUN! Super Bowl edition

2011-02-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon link:
How can you NOT root for Green Bay in the Super Bowl after seeing this?

My Facebook status today:
I have been parenting with TOO much "Snap, Crackle, and Pop!" lately...
Apologies to my 3 amazing teenagers and my wife...

My Facebook status last night:
Please, do NOT blog and drive...

Wednesday's furry Facebook photo:

Ben Roethlisberger is keeping a low profile at the Super Bowl - under Brett Keisel's beard...
Photo credit: Jim Lang of Sportsnet.
His latest blog post is about Woodson:
The Wisdom of Woodson. That's Charles of Green Bay - not the retired Steelers Hall of Famer, Rod.

Tuesday morning's Facebook status (Feb. 1):
Top of the Morning (and Month) to You!

Looking ahead to the Super Bowl on Sunday, Pittsburgh was the birthplace of the late “Mister Rogers” – Fred. Despite this, I believe Mr. Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay will be the MVP and lead the Packers past Pittsburgh. 27-20 is my prediction. Enjoy the game - and the Super Bowl ads...

New Month! Mouth Issues...Lap 'n Snack

2011-02-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

February 1st means I can say spring is next month!

My Dad's photo accompanied this article yesterday on the web:
Kelowna facing economic predicament
It was taken mid-September '09. Cool!

Kat Keesling wrote yesterday about mouth noise and how voice talents can deal with the issue:
Pasties and Doughmouth : 25 Facts About Sticky Audio

From lip smacks to the Lap 'n Snack...
I saw this commercial last night while working out at the gym:

I guess they are hoping for more sales leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl...pick the Packers to beat Pittsburgh!
They are the greatest thing since sliced cheese...

Friday Facebook FUN! Gretzky, Cake, Waffles & Golf

2011-01-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

My Facebook status yesterday afternoon:
Family Literacy Day in Canada BUT National Chocolate Cake Day
in the US...insert your own joke here...

My Facebook status Thursday morning:
NO hockey a day after Gretzky's 50th birthday?? Rumor has it
he may be drafted Friday for the NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft:)

Wednesday morning status: Happy 50th to Wayne Gretzky!

Monday night Facebook status: Toronto loses by 2 in basketball and hockey thanks to Memphis and Carolina...the baseball team will begin losing when their first spring training game happens against Detroit February 26...

In related news, a frustrated Toronto Maple Leafs fan won't be doing time or have to pay a fine for throwing waffles on the ice at a game.

Friday's fashion photo faux pas: Click for John Daly on the golf course yesterday. Disco Santa Claus? Today he is wearing lime green and spotted pants...
Bill Haas (love that last name!) is your second round leader right now at the Farmers Insurance Open. John Daly is currently tied for third with six others BUT in a league of his own when it comes to fashion...

Tuesday's Terrific Testimonial: NAPA Auto Parts

2011-01-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

I did a voiceover for a new client near Cleveland today.

I will post the video for Victory Sports Park in the near future.

In mid-December I mentioned working for a new client that day while also sharing a great testimonial from a long-time client on I appreciate Thank Yous!

So, here's today's testimonial from my client on the beach in Mexico:

Hi Ralph,
I'm still basking in the sunshine in Mexico (and working of course) but I had some feedback from NAPA that I wanted to share with you. First of all they have confirmed that Series 2 (10 Modules) is a go so I am currently working on those. Also, two of the Vice Presidents that reviewed our training commented specifically on your work.

The VP - Training said - "The guy speaking is really good."

The VP - Sales and Wholesale Markets said - "I find it amazing that the guy speaking never makes a mistake. He's amazing."

If you're still looking for more clients and want to send me a resume I will see that it gets to the right people at NAPA - they are the biggest parts supplier in the world so I have to believe there are opportunities for the type of work you do.
Hasta Luego,
Doug Vickers
Managing Partner, Horizon Automotive Management Products

Wow! I feel like I won an Academy Award or hit the jackpot!

Thank you Doug!

And thank you Lee at BMA Media Group!
I look forward to working with you again too...

Monday “Mourning” Quarterback/Football Nicknames

2011-01-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

Both #6’s lost yesterday while both coaches named Mike moved on to the Super Bowl!

Sixth-seeded Green Bay and their coach since 2006, Mike McCarthy, beat Jay Cutler (his hometown is Santa Claus, Indiana) and the Chicago Bears, 21-14.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their coach since 2007, Mike Tomlin, beat Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets, 24-19. Meanwhile, the Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur is NOT to be confused with the coach of the Jets – The Ranting Rex (Ryan)

Rex actually has some Toronto and hockey roots. Scientists believe this powerful predator could eat up to 500 pounds (230 kilograms) of meat in one bite! The Tyrannosaurus REX – NOT Rex Ryan!

The six coolest nicknames in NFL history include a couple of Bears and one Steeler. Check out the list here. It was inspired with the passing of former Buffalo Bill, Cookie Gilchrist, earlier this month.

Friday Facebook FUN! Drunk Monkey

2011-01-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

This will be on ABC's "20/20" tonight. I see a future sitcom

Hockey wrap, Football predictions & YOUR Fauxdition vote NEEDED

2011-01-19T23:49:00.000-08:00

It was a great result at the Kelowna Rockets 24th home game tonight! A 6-2 win over the Prince George Cougars! It was one of only three WHL games tonight.

There were also just three games in the NHL tonight. What happened Canada?! Toronto lost to the New York Rangers, 7-0, while Calgary was shutout by Minnesota, 6-0. OUCH!

The Western Hockey League is proud to announce that over 21 percent of all players who have played in the National Hockey League through the first half of the 2010-11 season are graduates of the WHL.
Of the 868 players who had played at least one game in the NHL as of January, 186 are graduates of the WHL.

==================================

24 auditions submitted for this:

2011 Unofficial Casting Call for The Price Is Right

There are five finalists left and your vote is needed before 5 pm EST on Sunday, January 23 to crown a new champ! Let your vote be heard here. Get your vote in before the game starts between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. I am predicting Pittsburgh to win on Sunday to move on to the Super Bowl against Green Bay, who must win in the Windy City of Chicago earlier on Sunday.

Guess who is getting a cartoon series?

2011-01-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

I started off the new year with the Top 10 LeBron Plays/Blog appearances. Now comes word that LeBron James is getting a cartoon series! I left some creative ideas in the comments...

Football and Favre/Hockey History

2011-01-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

Is it a coincidence that the final four NFL teams include two that NO longer have Brett Favre around? Congratulations to the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers, who won their playoff games this weekend!

The Jets shocked the New England Patriots today, 28-21. Green Bay rocked the Atlanta Falcons last night, 48-21! Next Sunday, the Packers are in Chicago for the first playoff meeting between the longtime rivals since 1941. I believe Favre was the quarterback then, wasn't he?

The AFC battle next Sunday has the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Jets.

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So far this year, my six blog posts have NOT even referenced hockey in any way. Let's change that right now! BEEN there, done that! Jamie BENN, former Kelowna Rockets player, had the NHL's #1 goal last week:

This Week In NHL History is below - starting with Ovechkin's best goal ever!

Friday Facebook FUN! faux-dition time!

2011-01-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

It is back again! The annual Unofficial Announcers Auditions or Fauxditions thanks to Peter K. O'Connell. I was the lucky winner last year doing the "fake" opening to ABC's World News with Diane Sawyer. This year's show in the spotlight is, to quote Peter: "the most amazing announcer supported game show in the history of broadcasting" - “The Price Is Right.”

There are some great prizes up for grabs this year so throw your voice in the ring! All the details are at the link above (UAAOF).

A couple of local Kelowna ladies (Lori and Lisa) tried to get on “The Price Is Right” last month. They were actually at the taping of the season finale for season 39. Things did not go according to plan and Lori and Lisa blogged about it here. On Christmas Eve, due to severe creative differences, Lori and Lisa parted ways. Lola and Liza has now risen
from the ashes.

I am going to let them know to enter the “The Price Is Right” faux-dition contest. Liza can sing so her voice may have a better chance than Lori's...

Football Top 10 on the 10th

2011-01-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

So far this year, most of my time in the studio has involved editing changes to the first 8 NAPA Auto Parts training modules I voiced in 2010. NAPA Auto Parts is the sponsor of the NFL's "Let's Go Primetime." Deion Sanders' delivery style is ENTHUSIASTIC to say the least!

Here is his latest segment highlighting the Top 10 performers during the playoff weekend. The "run of the season" is at #1 and features a former Buffalo Bill, Marshawn Lynch, helping Seattle upset New Orleans. The New York Jets beat Indianapolis in the other Saturday matchup, 17-16.

This weekend on the "Thurman Thomas Show", my final Bills' Game Recap of the season was against the New York Jets from last weekend. It runs here from the 2:06 second mark to 3:12.

Here is the Billieve Moment flashback to a second round playoff game in the snow in Buffalo on January 12, 1991.

Bigger and better things (than this season's 4-12 record) are in store for the Buffalo Bills! I look forward to being a part of the action next season for the fourth time - assuming there is no NFL lockout...

Wild-CARD Saturday = GO Seahawks!

2011-01-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

A wild-CARDBOARD Tuesday for Ted Williams was the first step in an amazing journey so ANYTHING is possible!

Seattle (7-9) faces the defending Super Bowl champion, New Orleans Saints (11-5), at 1:30 today to start the playoffs. Then the Colts (10-6)
host the New York Jets (11-5) at 5 pm.

Here is a great 96-second NFL promo to get you pumped up!

Before and After Footage: The homeless man with the golden voice

2011-01-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Unless you have been living under a rock (like Ted Williams may have) this week, you have probably heard the incredible story of the homeless man in Columbus, Ohio who's voice got him noticed. It is a rags to riches story that caused Ted to say: "I can't believe what's going on. God
gave me a million-dollar voice and I just hope I can do right by Him."

Seeing - and hearing - is believing!

The hoopla will continue for Ted. Let's hope he stays humble through all the events -- and that the rest of us remember to lend a hand to those in our sphere of influence.

Hot off the press! Ted's reunion with his mom. Mamma Mia!!

I received a 44-page bank tutorial elearning project today. I sent a note to my client: "Thanks for NOT sending this to the incredible homeless “voice sensation” in Ohio, Ted Williams.":)

Before and After Fitzpatrick Footage: Facial & Football

2011-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here we go back to 1988 and this weekend's Billieve Moment against the New York Jets from the "Thurman Thomas Show."

This was our newer Game Recap on the show - last weekend's game against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. It runs from the 3:14 second mark to 4:41. QB Tom will most certainly be MVP of the NFL again!

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills had a great season! His awesome numbers are here along with a Santa Claus-like beard. That would be your before footage. Here is the after look after getting a shave today:

Top 10 LeBron Plays/Blog appearances

2011-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

LeBron James rang in the New Year with 25 points last night along with teammate Dwayne Wade as the Miami Heat moved to 26-9 with a 114-107 win over the Golden State Warriors.

221 points in that high scoring game - well ahead of the runner-up 191 points in two other games (Chicago 100, Cleveland 91 and Minnesota 103, New Jersey 88).

Enjoy the Top 10 LeBron Plays of 2010 below! If you are keeping score: Six are with Cleveland and four with Miami. Four are in a red or white jersey and two in black.

Personally speaking, here are the Top 3 LeBron James appearances on Has The VOice...On and Off the Ice:

Friday Facebook FUN! Featuring LeBron - July 9, 2010
Friday Facebook FUN! Featuring LeBron...again... December 3/10
4444ork in the ROAD - January 16, 2008

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My son, Jordan (15), put on a nice display Thursday night when we could bring our kids out to my Men's League. Click here for another amazing Jordan in the Pacific Northwest. He is only 12-years-old!

Friday Facebook Fun! Finally Photos...Family is EVERYTHING!

2010-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

I have posted quite a few videos lately but NO photos. The last one was on December 3rd when I was surrounded by a couple of Gretzkys.

So, as we set a new record for blog posts (120 for 2010 beats the combined 119 for 2008 and 2009), I wanted to share this Christmas photo when my family spent time at my parents. My dad (Emil) took the photo so he's not in it:)

(L-R) Jordan, Darlene, Ralph, Marianne (Mom/Oma), Ashley & Justin

Jordan snapped this one last night of my parents and myself. The clothing we are wearing is from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, LIVESTRONG, which provides support to guide people through the cancer experience, bring them together to fight cancer - and work for a world in which our fight is no longer necessary.

My dad is currently battling cancer. He has finished radiation treatments and chemotherapy is hopefully an option in the near future. He has always been a strong man and is a fighter but right now his kidney needs to get better. He beat prostate cancer a couple of years ago but it returned and spread to his bladder and now into the lymph nodes.

Please say a prayer for my parents as they go through this battle together. HOPE is a great thing to have!

Holding On Praying Endlessly

Top 10 Sidney Crosby Plays/Blog appearances

2010-12-30T11:38:00.000-08:00

There were NO points for Sidney Crosby last night. His points streak is over at 25 games...It is ALL TSN's fault after they ran the Top 10 Crosby highlights of the year! Way to jinx 'em!

Personally speaking, here are the Top 5 Sidney Crosby appearances on Has The VOice...On and Off the Ice:

What a SC-ript! - featuring the Olympic gold medal overtime goal! (March 1/10)
Congrats to Crosby, Colbert, Craig and Scruffy the Elf... (Dec. 17/09)
Living Up To The HYPE! - fabulous footage leading up to the 2008 "Winter Classic" in Buffalo (Jan. 24/08)
Friday Facebook FUN! Featuring LeBron...again... - sharing the spotlight with Gretzky (Dec. 3/10)
Happy Birthday Sidney Crosby & Herb Merriweather! (August 7/09)

That is blog post #119 for 2010 - tying the total for 2008 and 2009...

Great hockey contest! Great music video!

2010-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

I introduced you to hockey whiz and music whiz, Rob Higgins, in early October. The following is my entry for an amazing goodie basket from Rob for:

a great pair of Maple Leafs tickets to a Saturday night game in January versus the Calgary Flames
a copy of the 2010-11 Higgins Hockey Fantasy Index
and Dearly Beloved's most recent release, "They Will Take Up Serpents" (Canada) or "Make It Bleed" (US).

Calgary Flames fans would like to see the team "Make It Bleed" RED - BUT the pink slip Darryl Sutter received on Tuesday proved he has failed in recent years. How ironic is it that he was replaced by Jay Feaster? He was the GM in Tampa Bay when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in a seven-game Final by beating Sutter and the Flames in 2004. Strange too that Darryl's brother Brent remains behind the bench of the Flames. Oh, it is a tangled family web Darryl weaves...Six weeks ago, the D-man (demon?) sent his own son Brett and defenceman Ian White to the Carolina Hurricanes for defenceman Anton Babchuk and forward Tom Kostopoulos.

As Calgary prepares for a January 15, 2011 visit to Toronto, the question can be asked:

Who won the trade in late January 2010 between the two teams?

Calgary shipped out defenceman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenceman Keith Aulie for forwards Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers and defenceman Ian White. White was traded away last month due mainly to salary cap issues with the Flames while free agent Mayers wound up in San Jose before this season started. Stajan scored 16 goals in 55 games for the Leafs last season and has scored just 5 in 58 for the Flames since. Hagman scored 20 goals in 55 games for the Leafs last year and has tickled the twine just 13 times in 64 games for the Flames. But the centerpiece of the trade, Dion Phaneuf, has been a bigger bust. Only 3 goals in 44 games over the last two seasons in Toronto while he never scored below double digits in five Flames' seasons. So far, I think Calgary wins the trade between the two teams but Phaneuf can change that early verdict by stepping up and being the leader Toronto needs him to be! That "C" on his sweater stands for Captain - not Calgary!

Remember the January 1992 trade between the Maple Leafs and Flames? It was a 10 player deal that was the largest in NHL history. Doug Gilmour was the centerpiece who came to Toronto with Jamie Macoun, Ric Nattress, Kent Manderville and Rick Wamsley in exchange for Gary Leeman, Alexander Godynyuk, Jeff Reese, Michel Petit and Craig Berube. Doug Gilmour had 49 points in 40 games for Toronto to finish off the '91/92 season and followed that up with 127 points in '92/93 and 111 points in the season after that. Three more average Maple Leafs seasons happened after that for Gilmour but he certainly won over Toronto fans with a couple of great playoff runs in 1993 and '94.

There is still time for Dion Phaneuf to rise to the challenge. There is a lot of pressure BUT more on GM Brian Burke. His former team, the Vancouver Canucks, beat Philadelphia last night, 6-2, and are my pick to win the Stanley Cup this season!

New Orleans: Drew Brees now, Pistol Pete then

2010-12-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

‎5 NFL teams scored 34 points on the 26th while one (Oakland) scored 26. The highest scoring team in the league are the New England Patriots (480 points) and they beat my Buffalo Bills yesterday, 34-3.

We fared better against the Patriots on this weekend's Billieve Moment on the "Thurman Thomas Show." It was a 38-14 win in the 1993 season opener against their prized rookie quarterback, Drew Bledsoe.

New Orleans quarterback, Drew Brees, is the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He is on the current cover and he takes his team into Atlanta tonight for a great Monday night matchup. New Orleans is 10-4 while Atlanta is 12-2. The Falcons have scored 15 more points than the Saints (369 vs 354) and given up 9 fewer (261 vs 270).

The greatest gift a parent can give their child is a dream.

This is written on the back cover of the Pete Maravich movie (The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend) I rented and plan to watch soon. The basketball Hall of Famer died far too young at the age of 40. He lit it up for the New Orleans Jazz between 1974 - 1979.

Kick returns - NOT Gift returns!

2010-12-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

It's the 23rd of December. Here is a cool article on the number 23 and the many 23-year-olds who made it an exciting season for the BC Lions.
I am predicting those young guys will step up and lead the Lions to the Grey Cup title next year when Vancouver hosts the championship!

Today, the CFL website added the Top 10 Kick Return Touchdowns of 2010. #32, Yonus Davis, of the BC Lions made #7 on the list. The top six were all from the Eastern conference though - including three from Toronto. Enjoy the footage here!

Here is the link to the game recap of the Bills and Browns which ran last weekend on the "Thurman Thomas Show." My segment runs from the 2:34 second mark to 4:35.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and know you will enjoy:
The Buffalo Bills 12 Days of Christmas
Day 5 with Bryan Scott's voice is the best of the bunch IMHO...Ho Ho Ho!

Honey, I $hrunk The....

2010-12-21T23:44:00.000-08:00

Bank account?
NOT me! This was the statement left by someone else at the instant teller machine at 7-11 today before I withdrew a bit of cash. What a difference a minus (-) sign makes before the account balance. Don't go into debt in December folks!

What a difference a hyphen (-) makes for VoiceOverload.com and VoiceOver-load.com. They are two unique voiceover sites. The former was recently launched on the east coast by Trish Basanyi while the latter has been around since the summer of 2009. It is a web comic by west coast voiceover artist Jeffrey Kafer. Trish's VoiceOverload.com is your source for all things voiceover. I am currently one of five blogs listed. Trish told me on the weekend the URL idea came to her one night around 3 am, so she got right up, went to GoDaddy.com and it was available - which surprised her. There is a category for Art/Comics/Talent Logos but I don't see Jeffrey Kafer there yet. There are links from all over the web to help you find anything and everything voice over related.

The best news is if you want to get listed on VoiceOverload.com, it won't cost you a single penny! Can't beat FREE, can you? The penny may not have a future anyway in North America.

Now, could you pass the popcorn? We're going to the movies...

Three Wise Men? Larry King, Don Cherry and Arnold Schwarzenegger

2010-12-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

I didn't make the lineup on Larry King's final show on Thursday, December 16 BUT they did welcome me that morning at 100.7 Giant FM in Penticton. Here is my eleven-minute interview with Kevin Berar.

Check out the classic old and new footage of Larry King:

Ditto for Don Cherry here. *This is only the second time I have featured a rap song on this blog. The first was two months ago thanks to Steve Johnson of the Buffalo Bills.

Did you notice Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in both clips?
He gets around more than Santa Claus...

Arnold is actually #7 on this list of the 15 Worst Christmas Movies of All Time.

Friday Facebook FUN! Hockey overdose

2010-12-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

I don't plan on running this weekly feature the next two Fridays because one will be Christmas Eve and the other will be New Year's Eve. How do you compete with that? Anyway, my Facebook status early this morning: Voicing + INvoicing = Rejoicing! "Voice, they told me. Pa ra pa pa pum..."

My Facebook status this afternoon: If there is hockey in your blood and you like to have fun - and are in Kelowna - we need someone to do giveaways in each period tonight for the Kelowna Chiefs game at 7:00 pm...Larry King declined our offer:) We'll even take a nice professional photo of you in action! TOO much fun! Who's in?

Wednesday night status: ‎7 of 11 games in the NHL Wednesday had a team score 3 goals while 3 games went into overtime. Congrats also to
the Canucks' Ryan Kesler for his first-ever hat trick!

Wednesday night I learned through Facebook: My Top Words of 2010
Here are the top words from my Facebook status messages!

1: - - used 78 times - The "dash" or "hyphen"...those sound like reindeer names:)
2: Hockey - used 38 times
3: Tonight - used 32 times
4: Kelowna - used 27 times
5: Game - used 25 times
6: Canada - used 24 times
7: Win - used 23 times
8: Night - used 23 times
9: Buffalo - used 23 times
10: NHL - used 22 times

Wednesday afternoon status: Hockey wife, Carrie Underwood (Mike Fisher's better half), in Penticton Wednesday while I'll be on the country station, 100.7 Giant FM, Thursday morning at 9:15 on "The Hockey Show." Listen live at: http://www.giantfm.ca/

Tuesday afternoon status: Enjoying a cheese stick for lunch...after dinner - hockey sticks! On PA as the Kelowna Chiefs host the best team in the league: Osoyoos Coyotes. Games this Friday & Saturday too at 7 pm at Rutland Arena.

December 13 Facebook status: Monday means the Money voice is in the studio: Banking tutorial, 75 slides left...

Early Sunday afternoon status: Sign of the apocalypse? Best defensive performances in the NFL so far today: Buffalo Bills & Detroit Lions! Pittsburgh Steelers in third...

Late Saturday afternoon (Dec. 11) status:‎ 2 former Sabres just tangled: Clarke MacArthur turned into Superman & flew after Jaroslav Spacek!
Leafs 2, Habs 0 12 minutes in...

I appreciate Thank Yous!

2010-12-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Kelowna Chiefs scored some big points last night by treating staff and volunteers to a Pizza Appreciation night after a close game (unfortunately a loss) against Osoyoos.

*The Tim Hortons Christmas ornament was purchased earlier in the day by me:)

My cup definitely runneth over!

I had a few pages of a 158-page banking tutorial to record after we wrapped up last night at Boston Pizza and my client was very appreciative of recent late night efforts and dropped me this note in the lunch hour:

Hello Ralph,

The course owner for ACSE asked that I reach out to you and deliver a very special thank you for turning this project around so quickly. Thanks to your quick turn-around she is back on track with her course and should have it done before the deadline. You are always extremely helpful and your speed has really aided us in finishing up this and other programs before the end of the year.

Thanks so much!

Katie H.

Katherine Hoover
Senior Manager of Advanced Development
The Edcomm Group
http://www.bankersacademy.com/

Examples like these are humbling and I can honestly say 2010 was the most rewarding year in my five-year voiceover career.
Thank you to old and new clients! I finished up a few lines for a new one in Tennessee today but a non-disclosure agreement means I can't share details...

Brett Favre: I Told You So

2010-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Brett Favre did NOT start tonight for the Minnesota Vikings against the New York Giants. As his website mentions, this ends a streak of 297 consecutive starts -- the longest streak of any position player in NFL history. You can thank my Buffalo Bills for knocking him out! I had also predicted this would happen in late August on Football and the "Lost" conspiracy?

Here is the link to the game recap of the Bills and Vikings which ran this past weekend on the "Thurman Thomas Show." My segment runs from the 3:12 to 5:24 mark.

Interesting to note that Brett Favre's streak started on Sept. 27, 1992 - when he started against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before Minnesota beat Buffalo, we lost to Pittsburgh in overtime. Here is my link to that game recap. You will find it at the 3:09 mark.

My voiceover friend, Ella J. Marr, is one of the biggest Steelers fans out there! She sent me this note:

To say that we bleed "black and gold" doesn't come close to the intense loyalty Pittsburgh fans have for their teams. My family has Steeler-themed family reunions. My 97 year old grandmother spent the last year of her life in a nursing home. She wasn't happy until her Steeler doll and other Steeler items were safely positioned at her bedside. Yahoo! Sports recently reported that the most knowledgeable female sports fans are Pittsburgh fans. It's nothing to be sitting in a gynecologist's office and hear pregnant women speaking in technical terms of an offensive or defensive play.

I know that, because years ago, I was one of them!

That is blog post #274. It marks the fourth time I have mentioned the Steelers and the first time gynecologist has appeared. Thanks Ella...

Friday Facebook FUN! Are Billy Idol and myself related?

2010-12-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

My Facebook status this afternoon: ‎69-64 win against Immaculata Friday puts the Kelowna Christian School Knights into the Saturday 7:15 pm Senior Boys BBall Final at Rutland Senior. We beat them Thursday and Jordan got team MVP for that game!! Woot!
**I cheer hard for this team. Has The Voice.com is a sponsor!

My status this morning: JACK Frost nipping at your nose? Over the holidays, please watch out for my Uncle Jack!!...think about that one...

Thursday morning status: Did someone say Hockey? No...Oh, Coffee! Even BETTER...

‎Wednesday night status: 5 games in the NHL Wednesday: 4 winning teams score 5 while Nashville & Detroit combine for 5 in the other...

Tuesday night Facebook status: Ooops, my on-hold message for the law firm of Sukherman & Associates was supposed to read, "For Russian PLEASE dial 8." I voiced "For Russian PEOPLE dial 8." Oops...Nyet...

Monday night status for Ralph HASS: NOT Hoss, who was on "Bonanza"; NOT Hiss, which may refer to a noise made by angry or frustrated geese, cats, swans, snakes, etc. Oh, and NOT Hess - a leading global energy company...

Sunday night status: Coming up next: Monday Night Football, Tuesday night hockey (PA for the Kelowna Chiefs), Wednesday night basketball (watching son play Senior ball) & Thursday night basketball running the court with the big boys...

Sunday afternoon status: NFL early games: 3 games decided by 4 points & 3 teams score 34...that is your Wikileak for now...**PM: Atlanta over Tampa Bay by 4 makes 4 games with that differential. One of the EARLY games was Thursday as Philly beat Houston, 34-24...

Saturday afternoon (Dec. 4) Facebook status: Great lunch meal at one of my wife's Christmas parties - although grace was said with Billy Idol's "Mony Mony" playing on the CD...guess that was better than "Rebel Yell"...

Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
Yes, Billy had a famous sneer...or "Whiplash Smile" (the name of his 1986 album). How do you like my Billy Idol impersonation below?

Pondering Penticton and Facebook

2010-12-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Kelowna Chiefs had their second straight home game go into double overtime last night. We lost to Penticton 5-4. The Chiefs will seek revenge on December 18 when Penticton is here again. I will be in Penticton on "The Hockey Show" Thursday, December 16 at 9:00 am. I had a good time when I did an interview in early 2009 on The Giant FM.
This links to my 14 minutes of fame.

Following up Roberto Luongo's stab at poetry on my last post, who can forget the slam poetry from Shane Koyczan at this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver? He hails from Penticton and you can see Shane in action here.

I just had my highest score yet in online Scrabble! 419 points vs voiceover friend Tom Dheere in New Jersey. Tom had beaten me twice in a row
(406-368 and 360-345) so I was due:)
Vancouver Canuck Tanner Glass, who played junior hockey in Penticton, is a big Scrabble fan and he's taking up the challenge of a blogger on the coast, Harrison Mooney.

If you are a Scrabble aficionado, connect with me on Facebook. I mean, what else is Facebook good for? Thank you to another voiceover friend, Bobbin Beam, for getting the discussion rolling here.

Hockey Hilarity via Poetry

2010-12-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

‎It was a great night for the NHL expansion cousins of 1970 last night:

Roberto Luongo stopped 32 shots for the shutout as Vancouver beat Chicago 3-0
Ryan Miller led Buffalo to a 5-0 win over Columbus

I saw at 6:20 PST on the NHL.com website that it was actually:
Buffalo 3, ALL 8 other NHL teams: 4

I knew Roberto Luongo had shutouts in his blood but I was very surprised at his prowess at poetry. Check out this pro and his prose:

Friday Facebook FUN! Featuring LeBron...again...

2010-12-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Back on July 9, LeBron got his fifteen minutes of fame on this blog. His return to Cleveland last night = a SLAM DUNK for LeBron and the Miami Heat! The DAMN SKUNK (if you ask any Cleveland fan) had 38 points and was fired up by the boos.
See the before and after footage here.

There was a hockey equivalent in Ottawa with Dany Heatley's return.
Two videos here. The second one has Ottawa fans throwing their
Heatley jerseys on the ice! It wasn't because he got a hat trick either...
BUT Sydney Crosby had a natural hat trick (his first ever) last night
- his second three-goal game in a three-game span.

You may burn LeBron or Heatley jerseys BUT respect these please:

My Facebook status late yesterday afternoon: Hockey Night in Canada is showing Montreal vs Toronto in 3D on Dec. 11. Since the Leafs won a Cup in '67, they have lost in black and white, color, high def - and soon 3D:)

Late Wednesday status: Declared it Basketball Thursday with LeBron returning to Cleveland; my son, Jordan, playing his first game on the Senior Boys team; and myself on the court at 9:15 pm...Just Do It!

Wednesday afternoon status: Huge honkin' Wednesday Capital News paper put in the mailbox...should have been stuffed down the chimney with care...

Late Tuesday Facebook status (last day of November):
Decided to make December Dy-no-mite!! Here is my motivation.

Tuesday morning status: The SHOW must go on...and the SNOW must go on...

Have a great weekend! I hope it goes nice and SLOW...

Leslie Nielsen will (Shirley) be missed!

2010-11-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

Sadly, Leslie Nielsen has died at the age of 84. He had what actor Michael McKean called “one of the greatest second acts in movie history,” after stealing several scenes in the comedy blockbuster, “Airplane!”

Nielsen died yesterday at a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, where he was being treated for pneumonia.
A nice tribute on the national news here in Canada.

"In a career spanning more than six decades, the Regina-born Nielsen
was an accomplished actor on stage and screen, in both dramas and comedies.... We can be grateful that his most famous performances
are preserved on film and will delight audiences for years to come."
~ Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Rest in Peace Leslie Nielsen...

Going Green & getting a Gretzky jersey!

2010-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

I happened to catch this live last night on the tube - former Kelowna Rocket Jamie Benn scoring on a spectacular effort shorthanded:

Canada's football championship goes tomorrow and I say, "Go Green!" That would be throwing my support behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders against Montreal! Some sweet hands here by Weston Dressler with the 2010 CFL Play of the Year. Dressler wasn't able to play in last year's Grey Cup featuring the same teams because he'd broken his leg and sprained his ankle simultaneously October 10. He ended up watching his team's agonizing 28-27 loss to the Alouettes from the sidelines.

The Grey Cup game tomorrow is in Edmonton, while tonight two Edmonton Oilers' jerseys autographed by Wayne Gretzky will be auctioned off at the Kelowna Chiefs game! I will be your PA announcer.

Wayne Gretzky is the uncle of the Chiefs' Bobby Brown (above). Five members of Bobby's immediate family (his mother, father, grandmother,
an aunt and uncle) have all been diagnosed with one form of cancer or another. Read Bobby's story of courage here.

Other Wayne Gretzky posts you may enjoy from my blog archives:
-- Gretzky at the Olympics / My Gretzky flashback (February 14, 2010)
-- Quenching your thirst for COMEDY and GRETZKY (August 9, 2008)
-- Getting Animated with Stephanie Ciccarelli (July 15, 2010)

The return of Friday Facebook FUN!

2010-11-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

I introduced Friday Facebook FUN in late June and we had three more editions of it by the end of July. Four months later, it is finally back on Black Friday!

My status late last night: NNN-FL is right! Winners on US Thanksgiving: New ENglaNd, New OrleaNs & the New York Jets...DDDefeat for DDetroit, DDallas & Cincinnati...2/3 ain't bad according to Meatloaf...

Thursday morning link: Join us this Saturday at the Kelowna Chiefs' game. You could win one of 2 autographed Wayne Gretzky jerseys!
Hockey fundraiser for cancer.

Wednesday morning quote via Karen Commins: "Don't waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday morning status: workin' on my PhD...Pizza Hut delivery...

Saturday afternoon status (November 20): College football NAMEday!
1) Marvin McNutt, Iowa Hawkeye receiver; 2) Vaingamalie Tafuna, RB
at Weber State; 3) Essray Taliaferro, RB at Marshall...

Saturday afternoon link: Yesterday was International Men's Day. Guys, did you grab your TV remote to mark the occasion? Voice talent Paul Strikwerda got his "new" TV for only $14.95 dollars! His latest blog post is all about money management. Great read! Call Off Black Friday.

DWTS = Dine With Turkey and Stuffing?!

2010-11-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

I recorded my Buffalo Bills' segments for the upcoming "Thurman Thomas Show" late last night. Most of it got done before the "Dancing With The Stars" finale with the rest after Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough won it all! Yes, I predicted they would earlier this month on: DQ on DWTS? Also on that blog post, a nice picture of Josh Hamilton, who played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2007, but won the AL MVP award yesterday with the Texas Rangers! Lots of football players have done well on DWTS - including:
- Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco
- Kurt Warner on the most recent edition (season 11)
- NFL Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith winning it all in 2006
- Warren Sapp
- NFL Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice placed second in season two

With US Thanksgiving tomorrow + my recent fascination with Cincinnati + my great memories from radio:

Let's roll this clip:

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends!
May you DWTS! (ie. Dine With Turkey and Stuffing)

Celebrating in Cincinnati/Canada!

2010-11-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Canadian Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds is now a baseball MVP while the Buffalo Bills won in Cincinnati Sunday, 49-31.

Home teams barely won out on Sunday in the NFL:
8 wins for the home teams and 6 for the road warriors. Only one team, Tampa Bay, scored 21 points on the 21st as they shut out San Francisco. Little stranger to see the unique number of 19 scored by three road teams:

Washington 19, Tennessee 16
Seattle 19, New Orleans 34
Detroit 19, Dallas 35

Joey Votto's numbers:

Second in the NL in batting average at .324
Third in homers (37) and RBIs (113)
Led the NL in slugging percentage (.600)
Led the major leagues in on-base percentage (.424)

Votto received 31 of 32 first-place MVP votes and 443 points in voting announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America yesterday. Yes, Christmas has come early for the Canadian kid...

Christmas Eve 2005 in Cincinnati was the setting for this weekend's "Thurman Thomas Show" Billieve Moment:

Rest in Peace, Pat Burns

2010-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Visiting teams won 9 of 11 games on Saturday night in the NHL. But the games (the NHL hit 50, 000 of them yesterday) did NOT matter as much as celebrating the life lessons the late Pat Burns taught us as an NHL coach and as someone who battled cancer courageously.

Pat Burns taught us how to live by Scott Morrison
The pre-game tribute to the late Pat Burns at Montreal's Bell Centre with music by the Beatles:
Don Cherry's "Coach's Corner" starts off with a tribute to Pat Burns. Music by the Good Brothers.

C'mon Canada! Be a Hockey Power!

2010-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

It is International Men's Day! Grab your TV remote!
It is also World Toilet Day - NOT really a joking matter actually...BUT play this song if you have to...

Four years ago today, Steve MacNaull wrote a very nice article for the Kelowna Daily Courier on my voiceover business. You can check out that cool print publicity via this old blog post: Thumbs Up!

In the NHL last night, Toronto beat New Jersey, 3-1. Montreal lost to Nashville, 3-0. Those results are better than Wednesday, when all four Canadian teams lost to US teams. Wednesday in Washington, the Buffalo Sabres lost to the Capitals, 4-2. Can't blame Ovechkin as he didn't even get a point! Maybe we should give credit to the Canadian spinning tunes for Washington? I have a great guy doing music besides me on PA for the Kelowna Chiefs. Corey Bell-Esau is his name and he is launching a recording studio so we'll be working together there too. We'll see you tonight at 7:00 pm for our home game against Princeton!

Canada's best junior hockey players just lost the Subway Super Series to Russia...
Going into this year, the Western Hockey League had won 13 of the 14 games it had played against the Russians in this series. But Russia beat the WHL all-stars in Prince George last night and Kamloops the previous night. The next WHL game on Shaw-TV? I can fill you in on that right now...cue the announcer:

For all you non-Canadians, Brandon is in Manitoba - where the band I linked to above is from as well. BUT, BTO is from Winnipeg, Manitoba - not Brandon.

That wraps up post #100 this year and #263 overall...Thank you for dropping by!

TSN's James Duthie ink & JamesDugan Inc. commercial

2010-11-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

If you follow hockey in Canada, one of the broadcasters "in the know" is James Duthie for TSN. His impressive bio is here along with some fun facts (e.g. Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders fan growing up). Duthie has a popular new book out with an attention grabbing title:

Sign of a good book?

This reviewer had a hard time wrestling it away from his girlfriend.

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JamesDugan Inc. is a full-service marketing, advertising and business strategy firm located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While most of my time today will be spent voicing the December promos for Shaw-TV's WHL hockey games next month, yesterday's time in the studio revolved around several commercials for Inwood Furniture in Inwood, Iowa. I have been voicing commercials for them since early 2006 - thanks to JamesDugan Inc.!

Coaching Marvels and Milestones

2010-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Chan Gailey won his first game as the Buffalo Bills' head coach yesterday! Buffalo 14, Detroit 12.
He won 18 and lost 14 in his last head coaching gig in the NFL - with the Dallas Cowboys in 1998 and 1999. Their interim coach, Jason Garrett, got his first win yesterday! Dallas 33, New York Giants 20. Don't doubt Tom Coughlin as the Giants' coach though! He has been driven by his core values of how the game must be played with honor and inflexible on how individuals must sacrifice to become a team.
More in this FanHouse article.

So, congratulations to Thomas Chandler "Chan" Gailey, Jr.! This weekend on the "Thurman Thomas Show", we featured Marv Levy's 100th win as an NFL coach with the Bills on November 16, 1992. "Monday in Miami" is the title of this Billieve Moment:

Another coaching milestone in Buffalo saw the Sabres' Lindy Ruff coach his 1, 000th game last Wednesday. That tied him with his mentor, the late Roger Neilson, for 17th place on the NHL’s all-time list. It was Neilson who first suggested that Ruff should get into coaching when Ruff played for Neilson and was winding down his NHL playing career with those Rangers in 1990.

Taking on the Sabres tonight in Buffalo are the Vancouver Canucks. Their head coach, Alain Vigneault, won his 300th NHL game in Ottawa last Thursday. 191 have been with the Canucks - the second most in franchise history behind Marc Crawford, who has 246 wins.

Back to football: Nine days ago, 84-year-old Joe Paterno became the first major-college football coach to hit 400 wins as Penn State came back from a three-touchdown deficit to beat Northwestern University 35-21. “People ask me why I’ve stayed here so long, and you know what?” Paterno asked the fans at Beaver Stadium after the November 6th game. “Look around, look around. Now that the celebration’s over, let’s go beat Ohio State.”
That did not happen this weekend against the Buckeyes. Penn State was up 14-10 in the second half but Ohio State scored 28 straight to hand Paterno his 133rd loss.

Finally, one odd thing about the Buffalo Bills' coaching staff.
Chan Gailey has 18 assistants and three are named George...

Football and Art collide!

2010-11-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Buffalo Bills had their annual game in Toronto this past Sunday and lost another close one to Chicago, 22-19. The star of the "Thurman Thomas Show" got some nice exposure in a different way:

Oh My Guitar...gently weeps...

Here is my buddy Thurman lighting it up against the Kansas City Chiefs in a recent segment from the "Thurman Thomas Show":

There is a football artist here in Kelowna who was inspired by Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears. Check out Bob Mueller's story here.

Oh My Gridiron! Cats playing football

2010-11-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Four NFL teams are named after cats. In alphabetical order:

Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals (on the Monday night game versus Pittsburgh)
Detroit Lions (the Bills' next opponent)
Jacksonville Jaguars

Only the Jags have a half decent record at 4-4. Cincinnati is 2-5; Detroit is 2-6 despite having scoring 15 more points than they have given up; and Carolina is 1-7. Me-OUCH!

No NFL teams scored 31 points last Sunday (31st, Halloween) while two NFL teams scored 7 points on the 7th. Dallas painfully lost their seventh of the season to Green Bay, 45-7, while the New York Giants manhandled Seattle, 41-7. Dallas plays the New York Giants next. Fortunately for football fans in Big D, the game is in the Big Apple.

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In the Canadian (Cat) Football League on Saturday, the BC Lions defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 23-21, to advance to the playoffs next Sunday in Saskatchewan. The CFL is an exciting brand of football!
Have a look here.