Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Our weekly installment of the good, the bad and the downright fugly in customer service adventures:

Cheers

• TR Sales - Roy's a heck of a good (and honest!) mechanic. Which, as far as I'm concerned, means he's worth his weight in gold.
• Family Foot Clinic - Doctor Deiana is a great guy, and he definitely knows his stuff.
• City of Regina - considering the amount of snow we got this week, it's hard to be unhappy with the snow removal service. Granted, the residential streets are a mess, but they're getting there.

Jeers

• Western Pizza (Broadway Ave.) - I had a really pathetic excuse for a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch there yesterday.
• Car dealerships. 44 dollars for a replacement gas cap! Wow. I wonder what the mark-up is on that one?

So, who's on your naughty/nice list this week?

SportZone lineup for January 27

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs this afternoon at 3 pm and Saturday at 4 pm on Access channel 7 in Regina.

SportZone Guests for January 27/10
Community Co-Host: Corey Matthews

1. (Event profile) A preview of the 3rd TransCanada Clash hockey game between alumni of the Regina Pats and the Moose Jaw Warriors. Guest: Kelly Remple (Event Chairman).

2. (Event profile – ENG) SportZone interviews three of the participants in the TransCanada Clash alumni hockey game. Reporter: Mitchell Blair

3. (Team profile) A Regina rink returns from the national junior men’s curling championship. Guests: Braeden Moskowy (Skip) & Matt Lang (Third).

4. (Team profile) An update on the exploits of the Regina Rebels female midget AAA hockey club. Guests: Doug Folk (Head coach) & Jenny McKnight (forward).

5. (U of R segment) An update on the University of Regina women’s basketball team. Guests: Joanna Zalesiak (Forward) & Becky Schmidt (Guard).

SportZone trivia: Who skipped the last Saskatchewan rink to win a national junior men's curling championship?
Answer: Kyle George

Congrats to Dave Ruecker of Regina, who scored a free pizza from Panago - just for knowing the correct answer!

Monday musings

Thoughts from someone who thinks the concept of a snow day is fine in theory:

• I would appreciate it if the folks I'm paying to keep my sidewalks clear would make an appearance before I have to trudge through knee-high snowdrifts to get to my vehicle! Guess I'm just funny that way.
• I doubt I will ever go back to driving a vehicle that isn't equipped with four wheel drive. Not as long as I live in this part of the world.
• Well, look at that. Brett Favre tries to make a ridiculous throw, and it ends up costing his team a trip to the Super Bowl. Where have I (2007 Packers) seen that before?
• I told you Vikings fans, I told you.
• Was that interception the last pass Favre throws in the NFL? I doubt it.
• I'm not a big Colts fan, but I'm sooooooo glad we've seen the last of the New York Jets for this season. So much arrogance, and with so little reason to be arrogant...
• The Regina Pats took three out of four points from the Swift Current Broncos on the weekend, then had their game against Kootenay postponed last night.
• So, the Pats are still six points back of Red Deer for the final playoff spot in the WHL east, and the Rebels have two games in hand. That's not a great scenario.
• Mind you, the Pats are also seven points out of sixth place in the conference, so there's still plenty of - as they say in the corporate world - opportunity for advancement.
• Next up for the Pats, a home-and-home set with Moose Jaw this weekend, including the TransCanada Clash alumni game. Should be fun!
• Oh, you're supposed to put the wood stain on before the wood finish? Oops.
• Yet another reason why I will never, ever be confused for a handyman.
• Does a 25% surcharge (duty and taxes) sound right for $200 worth of clothes shipped from the U.S.? What the hell ever happened to free trade?

Friday thoughts

These are my thoughts. Go get your own! I kid...

• With Ken Miller as the VP of football operations and Brendan Taman as the general manager, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have managed to achieve both experience and continuity at the top of the football ops pyramid. That's not a bad thing.
• I don't have a problem with the way the Riders have reorganized the front office. Taman and Miller seem quite capable of running the football operations department.
• It looks like the Riders have actually started the process of succession planning within the organization. Imagine!
• Let's see how the Regina Pats rebound from last Saturday's embarrassing 4-3 shootout loss to Swift Current, when they host the Broncos again tonight.
• It's the first of three games in three nights for the Pats. I suggest they need 4-5 points this weekend if they're serious about climbing back into the playoff picture.
• I have no idea who to cheer for in this weekend's NFC championship game. Part of me wants the Saints to advance to their first Super Bowl.
• Lord knows, New Orleans deserves some joy after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
• However, part of me still cheers for that decrepit old bugger who quarterbacks the Minnesota Vikings. What's his name again?
• The AFC final is a much easier choice. I don't care for any teams from New York (in any sport). Sorry Jets, but I'm hoping Indy bursts your bubble.
• The planning has already started for the J-man's birthday extravaganza in March. You should probably start shopping now, in order to beat the last-minute rush.
• "Pants on the ground, pants on the ground. Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground!" QFT.

Miller and Taman move up the Rider food chain

This almost falls under the category of non-news now, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders have confirmed the province's worst-kept sports secret. Brendan Taman has been picked to succeed Eric Tillman as General Manager of the green and white.

However, this next tidbit is kind of exciting. Head Coach Ken Miller will retain his coaching duties, but also becomes the Vice President in charge of Football Operations. I would assume that means Taman reports to Miller? Very interesting!

Also, I assume this means Miller will start grooming someone to take over as head coach in the next year or two. Paul LaPolice, perhaps?

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

It's that time again, to unleash a torrent of platitudes and criticism. Whattya say I start?

Cheers

• West Side Pizza. Located in a little strip mall at the corner of Dorothy and Sherwood, the place serves great food. Unfortunately, they no longer deliver to the south end. But, that may change soon (fingers crossed).
• Venice Tailors (again). They do a great job with mending and alterations, and I got an excellent deal on a couple of dress shirts last week. What's not to love?
• Regina Pats. Aside from blowing a 3-0 lead in their last outing, the Pats look to be building some momentum. I hope so, anyway.
• Airport Health Professionals. Chiropractor (and curler extraordinaire) Scott Bitz and the crew do an admirable job trying to keep me from falling completely apart.

Jeers

• A certain unnamed car dealership (rhymes with Smapital Gourd) whose service department just can't deal with rejection. Beat it, gougers!
• Rider fans. Not all of them, mind you. Just the ones who are convinced the pending (but still not confirmed) move of Brendan Taman into the general manager's office spells the end of the franchise. Yeah, because the typical fan is such an expert in football operations. Whatever.
• TSN. The network launches a new app for iPhone users, but nothing for folks with Blackberries. Discrimination, I tell ya!

Monday musings

No animals were injured (but some may have been eaten) in the collection of these thoughts:

• If Jordan Eberle isn't the player of the year in the WHL and the CHL, I'd like to know who is!
• Eberle is on pace to become the Pats' first 50 goal scorer since (this might be a good trivia question) Ronald Petrovicky.
• It's hard to fathom how Regina blew a 3-0 lead against Swift Current Saturday night. Let's hope that missed opportunity doesn't end up costing the Pats a WHL playoff spot.
• How's this for mixed emotions? I drove the J-man all the way to Avonlea on Saturday, and his hockey team got blown out 9-1. Yet, my boy scored his team's only goal. Truly, the best of times AND the worst of times!
• Hey SportZone viewers - do you have an "itch for Mitch"? Stay tuned to find out what that cryptic query was all about!
• What is about pro sports teams that play in cities whose names start with "San"? The San Diego Chargers suffered another NFL playoff meltdown yesterday, much like their state cousins from San Jose do when the NHL playoffs start each spring.
• Brett Favre vs Drew Brees in the NFC championship game. Think there will be a few passes thrown in that one?
• As a Green Bay Packers fan, I was thrilled to see Charles Woodson named the NFL's defensive player of the year. However, I think Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis is better.
• Pizza lovers in south Regina should be excited to know West Side Pizza (best 'za in town) is looking at opening a second location in the new Harbour Landing subdivision. That's the best news I heard all weekend!
• I'm three episodes into the first season of Dexter. That show is messed up! Fortunately, that's just the way I like 'em!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Another weekly installment, celebrating exceptional service and drawing attention to service that.....well, sucks.

Cheers

• Roy Ursan and TR Sales. If you're looking for an honest, reliable mechanic, Roy's your guy! The dealership wanted $1700 to fix my SUV. Roy did it (better) for $800. 'Nuff said.
• Prairie Mobile Communications. Excellent service, before and AFTER the sale.
• Sparky's. This little restaurant on Gordon Road makes darn fine pizza. It almost made up for the Packers' loss to Arizona in the NFL playoffs. Almost.
• O'Hanlon's. The place smells "musty", but the garlic cheese fries can't be beat!

Jeers

• The service department of the aforementioned (rhymes with Gapital Smord) dealership.
• LL Bean. Like the clothes, but hate the quality! I had to "retire" another pair of khakis from there this week. They basically fell apart.
• Pat Robertson, the tv evangelist. Reverend Pat says God is punishing Haiti. Reverend Pat is an asshole.

Okay, your turn!

SportZone trivia

Here's this week's SportZone trivia question. The first person to send us the correct answer, and their contact information, wins a free medium pizza from Panago! Free, I tell ya!

Q: Who is the all-time leading goal scorer for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships?

A: Jordan Eberle. Congrats to Drew Haubrich, who was the first person to send in the correct answer. Drew and his crew will be enjoying some delectable pie from Panago in the near future!


You must not have won in the past 60 days to be eligible.

SportZone lineup for January 12

Here's the lineup for the first show of 2010, airing tonight at 9 p.m., tomorrow at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7 in Regina:

SportZone Guests for January 12/10
Community Co-Host: Mitchell Blair

1. (U of R segment) A preview of the second half of the athletic season at the University of Regina. Guest: Dick White (Director of Athletics).

2. (Athlete profile) A Regina athlete looks back on his best NFL season, and a brand new multi-million dollar contract. Guest: Jon Ryan.

3. (High school ENG segment) A report on high school junior basketball action featuring the Luther Lions and the Campbell Tartans. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. (Team profile) An update on the Pilot Butte Storm, leading the pack in the Prairie Junior Hockey League. Guests: Chris Lewgood (Head Coach) & Jordan Cooney (Assistant Captain).

5. (Event profile) A preview of the Saskatchewan Winter Games happening next month in Moose Jaw. Guests: Nicole Argue & Brittney Musleh (Regina figure skaters).

6. (Athlete profile) A Regina athlete prepares to take part in the prestigious NCAA East-West Shrine Bowl all-star game. Guest: Jordan Sisco (U of R Rams receiver).

C is for Colten

19 year old blueliner Colten Teubert has been named captain of the Regina Pats. Teubert was one of several veterans (including Jordan Eberle and Garrett Mitchell) serving as alternate captains this season.

Monday musings

So many thoughts, so little bandwidth!

• As much as his football acumen will be missed, Eric Tillman's departure from Riderville really is best for all concerned.
• I don't have any preference as to who his successor should be, but I imagine it's a contest between current football operations staffers Joe Womack and Brendan Taman.
• Losing John Chick to the NFL's Indianapolis Colts creates a huge hole in the defensive line, and in the community. Chick is a first-class player and person.
• I'm hearing the other starting defensive end from last season, Stevie Baggs, likely won't be back either.
• Is Andy Fantuz getting any NFL tryouts? Frankly, I'm not too worried about the potential of losing Fantuz to "the show".
• In the end, the Regina Pats decided to keep Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert, and try to make a run at the playoffs.
• I understand the Pats tried to land a veteran netminder (which I felt should have been a top priority), but were unsuccessful. Well, at least they tried.
• I also wanted the Pats to land a stay-at-home defenceman, which they did in 20 year old Mitch McColm - acquired from Chilliwack for overage blueliner Matt Delahey. However, I was hoping they would hang on to Delahey too.
• Jordan Eberle has 30 goals, with 27 games to play. Can he hit 50? I wouldn't bet against it.
• Did you hear Pats owner Russ Parker get booed during Friday night's pre-game ceremonies? The natives are restless, that's for sure.
• I can't believe the Green Bay Packers' season ended like that! The Pack lost 51-45 to Arizona in overtime in round one of the playoffs.
• However, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (outdueled by Cards veteran Kurt Warner) served notice that he's ready to ascend to the ranks of elite NFL quarterbacks. I guess that's a plus.
• For weeks I've been telling anyone who would listen that the Packers defence isn't as good as everyone thinks. Clearly, they aren't.
• So, now who do I cheer for? Brett Favre and (spit) Minnesota? Sorry, can't. I think I'll pull for a New Orleans/Indianapolis Super Bowl and probably end up rooting for the Saints to win their first title.

ET era ends in Riderville

It's official. Eric Tillman has resigned his position as general manager of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Earlier this week Tillman was granted an absolute discharge after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting his children's 16 year old babysitter.

Friday thoughts

A hodge-podge, perhaps even an assortment, of random thoughts on this and that:

• Sadly, Eric Tillman's time in Riderville appears to be over.
• I'm sure there are lots (maybe even a majority) of Rider fans who are willing to forgive and forget, but not enough of them I'm afraid.
• Frankly, why would ET want to put his family through the inevitable abuse they'd face from some of the lower life forms that inhabit Rider Nation?
• Plus, the sooner he leaves - the sooner his young victim can put this whole thing behind her too.
• Don't shed too many tears for Mr. Tillman. I'm thinking he'll be running the Toronto Argos (again) sooner, rather than later?
• So, does Brendan Taman automatically move into the Rider GM's office? Probably not, but you'd have to think he'd be at the top of the list of candidates.
• I'd be inclined to give Joe Womack some serious consideration for a (to be created) director of player personnel position.
• Let's hope Regina hockey fans pack the Brandt Centre tonight to welcome Jordan Eberle and Colten Teubert home from the World Junior tournament.
• It'd be nice if the Pats acknowledged injured Warriors captain Travis Hamonic too. The kid played his heart out for Canada, and was definitely missed in the gold medal game.
• If the Pats lose to Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat at home this weekend, I wouldn't be surprised to see Eberle and Teubert dealt at the WHL trade deadline. Disappointed, but not surprised.
• What are the odds I can snag a Jordan Eberle bobblehead for the J-man tonight? Slim and none, I'm guessing.
• I'm definitely going to hit Jon Ryan up for a loan when he visits SportZone next week. $9 million (U.S.) over six years? Nice job, Jon!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

First post of 2010 - can't you just feel the excitement? Here's my list of those retailers/merchants who shone over the past couple of weeks, and those that didn't:

Cheers

• Organizers of the World Junior Hockey championship. The J-man thoroughly enjoyed our two visits, therefore I rate the event an unqualified success.
• Hockey Regina. No 7 am games or practices over the holidays is a good thing. A very good thing.
• Old Navy. I took advantage of some Boxing Day deals and - despite the long lineup - didn't waste a lot of time doing so.
• Krazy Kiley's. More great service from Calvin and Brian over the holidays. Thanks guys!
• M & M Meat Shop. With their help, I was able to treat the J-man to a (mostly) authentic Polish Christmas Eve feast.

Jeers

• Capital Ford. You want me to spend $1700 on repairs to my SUV? Over Christmas? Gee, how unfortunate that my extended warranty expired recently (sarcasm off). You don't mind if I get a second opinion, do you?
• Retailers who fawn all over you when you're dressed for a day at the office, but treat you like pond scum when you're casually dressed (and/or unshaven) on holidays and weekends. I'm reminded of a saying about a book and a cover...
• The "Eh! O'Canada Go" cheer. Just lame.

Okay folks, your turn!