91.5 FM Morning Show




June 27th, 2008

We've been talking about the price of gas...and probably will be for a very long time.

Here are the...

Top Five Ways you Can Tell Gas Prices Are Way Too High

5. The three grades are now "Regular", "Super" and "Are You Kidding Me?"

4. The Gas Pumps are now referred to as "Fuel Carafes"

3. There's a sign posted that says "Ask about our second mortgage payment plan"

2. The Gas Station is offering a free car with every fill up

And.....

The Number 1 Way You Can Tell Gas Prices are Way Too High...

1. Parking places for cars next to the pumps have been lowered so you can get the full effect of bending over while filling up.

Have a Great Weekend!!!




May 28th, 2008

Finally!
We've been talking about this for weeks!

A day where the temperature will reach 20 and above!
To Celebrate we're heading out to hand out Merla Mae Coupons!
Thanks to everyone who sent us an email requesting a visit, we'll try to make it to all of you this morning.
It's a Merla Mae Day!

Talk to you tomorrow!




Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the 11th annual Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards at Fort William Historical Park.
The company was fantastic and the event was impressive.
The speech by the Keynote Speaker was fabulous.
Lori Mitchell is the President and Founder of Tomboy Tools Canada. Her speech was captivating and inspiring. She spoke on Passion that ignites your talent, focus to direct your passion and energy and this was not where her speech ended. I can see why she is President of Tomboy Tools Canada.

Congratulations to the Award winners!
Rama Agerwal is the owner and operator of the Masala Grill, an Indian Restaurant. She won the Young Entrepreneur Award.
City Councillor Rebecca Johnson was the recipient of the Public Sector Award for her Environmental and Economic Development work as well as her efforts with Diversity Thunder Bay.
Lori Martineu won the Private Sector Award. She is the owner of two A&W Restaurants in Marathon.
An Awards Ceremony will also be held in Timmins Thursday to honour 3 women from Northeastern Ontario.

Talk to you tomorrow!




May 23rd, 2008

Another Friday is upon us.

We said hello to a friend of mine, Wesley Phillips on the air today. I met him many years ago when we were Sea Cadets together at HMCS Griffon. When his name came up as a friend request on my Facebook, I was pleasantly surprised. I had thought he would not remember me after all these years. He says he listens to our show at his home which is great to hear considering he lives in Hong Kong and they are 12 hours ahead of us. He moved there to teach a few years back and has planted roots there.

Facebook has brought a lot of us former Sea Cadets together. Officers, Cadets and old friends are swapping stories, some we had forgotten about, maybe some we wanted to forget about but it's all good. The memories flow and friendships are rekindled. It's also been a great tool as we plan our reunion to celebrate our Sea Cadet Corp's 90th reunion next year.
So glad I joined way back when and cannot wait to see the many former cadets who are planning to attend next year's event.

Have a Great Weekend!

Talk to you Monday!

Laura Z.




May 16, 2008

The long weekend. Ahhh.

Some much needed sleep will be mine tonight. No alarm in the morning, and nowhere to be. Nice.
I absolutely love this job, but it's been very busy for about a month now, so I am need of some R&R.

Which brings me to the topic of tonight's plans...

The Save A Heart Benefit! I am the MC for this event and am looking forward to a fun evening!!!
Lots of prizes, great music and tonnes of fun!
Come join us!

Otherwise, this weekend, besides catching up on some sleep, I'll be painting my kitchen and trying to do something with the fiasco that is my front garden. Some help from Leanne at Creekside will make it happen I'm sure! It's good to have friends that know what they're doing!

Have a safe, fun weekend! Please don't drink and drive or drink and boat, there's way too much to lose.

Talk to you Tuesday!




May 12, 2008

This Mother's Day held great meaning to me. Not only because I was able to celebrate with my own kids, (who spoil me and I could just pinch them!) but I was also able to have Mom over to enjoy the day. She's only been out of the hospital for a few short weeks after being there for three months. It was a heartbreaking time as we almost lost her twice. It's hard to see a parent so sick, but now it's wonderful to see her starting to look much healthier. We were lucky. It's difficult times like this that make you aware that you need to appreciate what's around you more, even though it's a nasty way to come to that realization. For Mother's Day, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my own mother. If you are fortunate enough to still have your mother to enjoy time with, make sure you hug her and tell her you love her as often as you can. Talk to you tomorrow....


Friday May 9th, 2008

While I was out yesterday afternoon, I ended up parked far from my vehicle at one of my stops. As I walked, I looked up and took in the sight of the clouds smeared thinly across the sky in beautiful swirls. I really appreciate the art provided my mother nature herself.

Later during my run, I slowed down near a yard full of evergreens. I ran my hand along the trees, taking in the scent of the green needles. It reminded me of the days when my brother and I were kids and would play with cousins in the back yard of our home and the hours we’d spend out there.

Just wanted to share a couple of these things with you. The view and the memories were free, and I enjoyed them.

Enjoy your day!!

Talk to you tomorrow…




May 8th, 2008

Hello All!

We’ve certainly been spoiled on the morning show! Flowers, a man servant (for me) and fresh homemade cookies! All in less than three weeks!

Today we were given flowers from Rita LaLonde, who is the fundraiser and special events organizer for the MS Society, Thunder Bay Chapter.

It’s part of the kick off of the Carnation Campaign where the beautiful flowers are sold in various locations throughout our city. The Carnations this year are the best in years according to Rita, so if you’re looking for gorgeous flowers for Mom, here’s where you can get some….

Today…May 7th

At Intercity Mall til 9pm

Friday May 8th

Malls

Intercity Mall 9am-9pm

Canadian Tire at Arthur Street and Thunder Mall 10am – 6pm

Liquor Stores

Arthur Street, County Fair and Thunder Mall 5pm – 9pm

Saturday May 10th

Malls

Intercity Mall 9am-5pm

Canadian Tire at Arthur Street and Thunder Mall 10am - 4pm

Liquor Stores

Arthur Street, County Fair and Thunder Mall 10am - 4pm

Make sure you’re listening to call in with your Mom-ism tomorrow as well!

It’s your chance at a $25 Gift Certificate for Michael’s Hair Design and Day Spa. THEN!! Bill Malcolm is drawing for the $100 dollar gift certificate from all of our qualifiers this week!

Talk to you tomorrow!!




Friday May 2, 2008

Ahhh…Friday.

This week is National Volunteer Week and it's being celebrated right through til tomorrow.

I volunteer with a few organizations in our city and the people I work with in each organization absolutely amaze me.

Where others turn down an opportunity to volunteer, these people dive in and get it done. And say nothing. Not a complaint or negative word. These are hard working groups and keeping things running smoothly (as in any organization) is a tough job. And they do it for free.

Some come out because they have family members, friends or they themselves suffer from the disease we are raising funds to fight. Others are there because they love what they do and are happy to help. Whatever the reason, they deserve a pat on the back for everything they do.

If you want to get out there and do something great for yourself and your community, go to volunteerthunderbay.ca and there you find a link to click on that lists many organizations that are looking for help. You’ll feel great!!!

Have a great weekend!




Thursday May 1, 2008

Happy Thursday!

I cannot believe we actually got a husband and wife on the air for our Battle of the Sexes game this morning! It was hilarious! Still, the men are ahead of us …so far.

Some behind the scenes hilarity…

Just as I was reading the 8:30 news this mornig, I was playing an audio clip so I decided to adjust my microphone…just as I was to go back on air…the mic slid off it’s holder and dangled down…had to hold it for the rest of the cast. Afterwards, I put it back and quickly forgot about it..until Bob’s Open Line show…oops.

The intro music was playing when Bob hit the mic by accident…down it went. Quite hilarious actually. Probably not to Bob, but for me and Danny…

We have a lot to cover in tomorrow’s show…what’s happening this weekend, we’re going to talk hockey (and see who knows more), and fill you in on what’s happening in tinsel town.

Talk to you tomorrow!




BBQ Rules for Women and Men:

We are about to enter the BBQ season.

Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...

(1) The woman buys the food.

(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.

(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.

(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory two meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman.

Here comes the important part:

(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine...

(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.

(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat.

Important again:

(8 THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

More routine...

(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.

(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

And most important of all:

(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off.'

And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women




April 30, 2008

What an interesting Wednesday!

My friend Charlene Snow at the Arthritis Society, along with Jean Joy and Linda Urry, decided to send me a gift to celebrate my new job and of course, to bring attention to National Volunteer Week. In an interesting sort of fashion…

Charlene had called me the other night and asked me when the doors open here at the station so she would know when to drop off a gift for me Wednesday. Of course, I was left curious until this morning. Danny and I were just about to start talking after a song when I saw Crystal our administrative Professional in the window of my door. Then she moved over and a guy in a suit wrapped with a gold ribbon topped with a bow stepped into sight. I just about died laughing! He was carrying two chocolate roses and a little decorative box with some heart candles in them. I did not realize that HE was the gift until he came into the studio and introduced himself. Vince Mirabelli. Also a volunteer for the Arthritis Society. He is a brave soul! He told me HE was my gift from the girls. He was mine for the day, to do with what I pleased. So, I asked him if Saturday would be better because then he could run my 5k and since we are renovating we could use an extra hand. He stayed with Danny and I and went on air until the show was over. Then I paraded him around for the gals to have a gander at. He was very happy to do so. Thanks so much Vince for being such a good sport! And again, thanks to the gang at the Arthritis Society for the lovely gift!

If you are a Facebook user, make sure to look for our Morning Show Facebook Page!

Just look for Danny Laura Ckpr Mornings and we’ll be there!

Talk to you tomorrow!




Welcome to Laura's blog....

Hello All!!!

Yesterday Danny and I spoke on the morning show about how I was starting to blog. I did indeed write one yesterday, but it didn’t show up in the system. Figures. Yesterday was a very off Monday for me.

First, I have to say I have been smiling every moment that I think of my job on 91.5 CKPR with Danny in the mornings, even getting up as early as I do. It’s a little known secret that since I began broadcasting in radio, this is the job I have always wanted! I am a very lucky person!

That being said, I will tell you about my Manic Monday…..

The day started fine, with the alarm going off, no problem getting up for me. As I walked into the living room to turn on the lights, I was quickly reminded that we are renovating and nothing is where it should be. The wooden chair with the microwave on top was in it’s temporary home, and I realized that as I ran into it. No damage. I headed to the kitchen and made a tea and finished getting ready for my day…as I pulled into work, I reached for my tea and remembered I had left it on the landing at home. Need tea in the mornings! It’s all good, there’s tea at work, it’s just that mine was already made. Walking into my quiet workspace I realized it was too quiet. My computer was not on and it wasn’t starting for me. Sigh. I called an engineer, Dave, who said he would be here asap. In the meantime, the News Director Bryan Wyatt and I put together the 6am news for me to read on paper (as if that’s unheard of in this day and age!). Almost everything we do on air is on the computer so, this felt a little strange. The first newscast went well and the engineer was replacing my computer with a new one, but my goofy day was not over. I felt as though when Danny and I were talking, that I could not string a sentence together to save my life! Sometimes things don’t sound as bad to others as you may think, and I certainly hope this was the case yesterday. Dave the engineer had my new computer up and running before the 6:30 newscast so I was good to go! For a bit. Later, as I was rushing out of the booth to grab something off the printer, my headset got tangled in my hair..SHEESH! by the time I finally got it out, there was a nice amount of hair left attached to it. I left it there for Bob MacDonald, who would be in shortly for the Open Line she, just to share my not so great day with him.

So, when the blog did not go on the site yesterday, I gave up and went home.

Today was a much better day, hope yours is too!