Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Here it is, our weekly report on those that suck, and those that suck not:

Cheers

• Air Canada, for hopefully getting the J-man and I out of here on time tomorrow morning. Ontario, here we come!
• A boss who lets his staff bail out early this afternoon.
• Everyone who helped make the past (almost) ten years of hosting SportZone on Access 7 a pleasure, more than a chore.

Jeers

• Anyone who thought they were too "big time" to spend a few minutes on a local cable sports show. If people like Jon Ryan and George Reed can find the time, and they actually are a big deal...
• The days immediately before, and immediately after, a vacation. These are the days that define "going through the motions".
• Gold's Gym Regina. A darn fine place to work out. But the music? Not so much.

That's my list. Did anybody impress or depress you over the past while? Tell us about it!

SportZone lineup for July 20

So, here it is. The lineup for the last ever episode of SportZone. I'll give you a moment to come to grips with the enormity of that statement. Indeed, television history will be made this evening!

The show airs tonight at 9 p.m., Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. It may also repeat a time or two between now and the start of a new broadcast season in September. It's been a fun ride. Drive safely, and don't forget to tip your waitress.

SportZone Guests for July 20/10
Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1. A preview of the 2010 season for the Regina Thunder junior football club. Guests: Erwin Klempner (Head Coach) & Mark Coons (Running back).

2. An update on this year’s action at King’s Park Speedway. Guest: Joe Shuba (Regina Auto Racing Club President).

3. A report on the 15th annual High Impact Wrestling Battle Royal extravaganza. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. It’s not too late to get that beach body for this summer! But, you do need to get yourself into the gym first. Guest: Michael Lindenbach (General Manager, Gold’s Gym Regina).

5. A report on soccer’s World Cup from a Regina resident who took in the spectacle. Guest: Nathan Morrison (SportZone World Cup correspondent).

6. The Blair Necessities. Our weekly sports commentary by local sports raconteur Mitchell Blair.

SportZone trivia: Which member of the Regina Thunder was named MVP of the Prairie Football Conference in 2009? Send us your answer, for a chance to win 10 free tickets to this weekend's races at King's Park Speedway!

Monday musings

I think, therefore I. . .blog?

• Why is it the days immediately before a holiday are the longest ones in human history?
• The J-man and I will be dining in the old country Friday evening. The old country being neither old, nor a country. But still.
• It would appear, based on Saturday's 24-20 victory over Edmonton, that the Riders have learned how to win games that are less than aesthetically pleasing (ie: winning ugly).
• No, I'm not joining the ranks of the foaming at the mouth faithful who are calling for punter Louie Sakoda to be sent packing. However, Louie does need to elevate his performance, and soon.
• Kick return specialist Dominique Dorsey has been a non-factor in the first three games of the season. I don't expect this trend to continue.
• Now it's on to Calgary this weekend. It feels strange to call a week four matchup a first-place showdown, but that's what it is.
• After talking to Chad Lang last week, I don't expect the Regina Pats to make any trades until at least the start of training camp.
• Random High Impact Wrestling update: I saw Tailormade Todd Myers in the gym yesterday, and congratulated him on his glorious victory in this past weekend's annual HIW Battle Royal.
• The Tailormade one is looking forward to cashing in his resulting title shot, but first he's really looking forward to his steel cage match against Plum Loco on August 27th. As we all should be.
• I ran for 20 straight minutes on Saturday, and there wasn't even anyone chasing me. Weird.
• I'd better be careful. A person could get in shape doing things like that.
• Is it Friday yet?

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Things that are good, and some that are not so good. This is the way the world spins...

Cheers

• The Toronto Argos, for clearing the way for the Riders to claim sole possession of top spot in the CFL's west division this weekend.
• Deli Llama restaurant. Big grand opening festivities today, and the eating will be fine!
• The "broken remote" radio ad for Hill Avenue Drugs. Gold, Jerry! Gold!

Jeers

• The people who think the success of B.C.'s temporary outdoor stadium proves there is no need for a domed stadium in Regina.
• Lady Ga Ga and Justin Beiber. I'm not entirely sure they aren't the same person.
• Not seeing the J-man for 16 consecutive days. That should be fairly self-explanatory.

SportZone lineup for July 13

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs, God willing, tonight at 9 p.m., Thursday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. on Access channel 7. You should watch.

SportZone Guests for July 13/10
Co-host: Mitchell Blair

1. A discussion with the new general manager of the Regina Pats. Guest: Chad Lang (Pats’ G.M.).

2. An update on what’s happening in local rugby circles this summer. Guest: Jered Kirkland (Regina Rogues Coach/Captain)

3. Looking to give your workout efforts an extra boost? How about giving Healthy Coffee a try? Guests: Brittany Warren & Dave Bojic (Healthy Coffee Regina).

4. A report from the 2010 Saskatchewan 55+ Games. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

5. A Regina athlete captures a national track and field championship, and gets ready to compete at the world junior championships. Guest: Tait Nystuen (Excel Athletika hurdler).

6. A profile of the upcoming Pile o’ Bones Battle Royal spectacle, as presented by High Impact Wrestling. Guests: Big Daddy Kash (Wrestler) & Dylan Robson (Announcer).

7. The Blair Necessities. Our weekly sports commentary by local sports raconteur Mitchell Blair.

SportZone trivia: In which year did new Regina Pats' G.M. Chad Lang lead the Moose Jaw Warriors to the WHL final? Send us your answer, for a chance at fame beyond your wildest dreams!

Monday musings

Reflections on a weekend without rain. Is that even legal anymore?

• The Riders looked pretty good in beating B.C. Saturday night. Not great, but certainly good enough.
• The special teams still aren't very special. At least the kick returns aren't. Yet.
• Yes, it stings a little seeing Marcus Thigpen (cut by the Riders at the end of training camp) stake an early claim to special teams player of the year for Hamilton. But his team is 0-2. Methinks the Riders prefer the view from the top of the west division at 2-0.
• Is Brent Hawkins the real deal? It is starting to look that way.
• How desperate are the Edmonton Eskimos going to be when they take on the Riders Saturday at Mosaic?
• They wouldn't consider gassing Richie Hall if they lose, would they?
• Truth be told, if Kelly Campbell and Fred Stamps didn't drop two VERY catchable balls, the Eskies likely would have beaten Montreal yesterday.
• So, I watched most of the World Cup final. One goal and more dives than the Summer Olympics. Thanks, that should satisfy my soccer fix for another four years.
• Spain is a fun team to watch. If you enjoy screaming "Get up, you f&$in' pu#^#!" at your television.
• The Jays are one game below .500 at the MLB All-Star break. Actually, that's better than I thought they'd be doing.
• 11 more days until the J-man and I depart for Ontario. Can. Not. Wait.
• I'm probably gonna need a bank loan to take him to Canada's Wonderland, but I do not care.
• The cultural phenomenon of High Impact Wrestling returns to the Victoria Club this Friday night. You'd be crazy to miss it!
• So if I want my vehicle cleaned properly, and I don't want to take it to SUDS, what are my options around here?

Friday thoughts

It gets pretty full up there. Always good to clean out the attic every once in a while...

• There's no reason the Riders shouldn't be able to win in Vancouver Saturday night. BC's offense is pretty good, but their defense doesn't really scare anyone.
• Wayne Smith's addition to the o-line will hopefully enable the Riders to run right AND left this week. A novel concept, to be sure.
• Apparently Hugh Charles is going to get some touches at running back this week. Okay kid, let's see what you've got.
• I'm a little nervous about going on holidays right before the RMF season starts, but I have complete confidence in the ability of the assistant coaches to handle things in my absence.
• Less than a month until we start - can't wait!
• I honestly think the atom Cougars will be pretty darn good this year. Maybe even good enough to win it all. Yeah, I went there.
• Did you watch the LeBron James self promotion-fest last night? I couldn't bring myself to do it.
• I hope King James and his life partners Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade will be deliriously happy together in Miami.
• It's too bad the Toronto Raptors couldn't get anything for Bosh before he bolted. Maybe in this case it'll be addition by subtraction.
• I think I may have to watch the World Cup final. Or I may paint something and then watch it dry. So many choices!
• Tennis, anyone? I need to start making some use of my tennis club membership!
• Are Lady Ga Ga's 15 minutes up yet?
• There's a chance of more rain this weekend? What a shocking development.

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Once again this week, we profile people and organizations worthy of praise - and of scorn. Here's my list:

Cheers

• BCG Canada Inc. Anybody that can make me look like I know what I'm doing in building a website (no, not this one) must be good!
• The Running Room's Learn to Run program. Let's be clear. I still don't enjoy running. But at least now I'm able to do it. A bit.
• The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes. Thanks for the memories, guys!

Jeers

• Concession food at Mosaic Stadium. Remember a couple of years ago when new food options were brought into the stadium, and the eats were actually pretty tasty? It appears those days are gone. The pre-game burger and slice of pizza sucked last week, quite frankly.
• Canada Wide Furnace and Duct Cleaning. They were supposed to do some work at my place last week. No, they weren't late. They didn't show up. At all.
• People without an email account in the year 2010. No, I'm not going to call you every time there is news regarding our minor football team, you luddite!

Feel the need to vent? Step right up!

SportZone lineup for July 6

Here's the lineup for this week's show. It airs on Access channel 7 at 9 p.m. tonight, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, and Saturday at 4 p.m. Damn fine viewing, really.

SportZone Guests for July 6/10
Co-Host: Carlo Palazzo

1. A Regina resident is inducted into the Canadian Volleyball Hall of Fame. Guest: Wayne Hellquist (Inductee).

2. A profile of a couple of inspiring members of the Jaleta Pacers running club. Guests: Ted Jaleta, Linda Emslie and Nicole Mitchelson (Jaleta Pacers).

3. A report on Rambler Park fastball league action. Reporter: Brendan Pawliw.

4. The University of Regina women’s soccer team introduces a class of 7 new recruits. Guests: Bob Maltman (Head Coach), Tayler Firth & Nicole Westcott (recruits).

5. A profile of the sport of roller derby, and the zany women who take part in it in Regina. Guests: Ang Ziety, TabRRRKnuckle (Bone City Beaver Dames) & Doom Cookie (Lockdown Lolitas).

6. The Blair Necessities. Our weekly sports commentary by local sports raconteur Mitchell Blair.

SportZone trivia: How many games did the U of R women's soccer team win last season? Send us your answer, for a chance at fame beyond your wildest imagination!

Monday musings

All good things (even 4-day weekends) must eventually come to an end!

• It'll be a long time before we see another football game (in any league) that matches the excitement generated by the Riders and Alouettes in the season opener, won 54-51 by Saskatchewan in overtime.
• I'm pretty sure the J-man's feet didn't touch the ground as we walked back to our parking spot in the aftermath!
• Many observers (including this one) wondered how Darian Durant was going to distribute the ball to all of his outstanding receivers this season. If one game is any indication, apparently it'll work out just fine!
• Sorry CKRM crew, but Durant was the offensive game star for the Riders, not Weston Dressler.
• Was it just me, or were the rest of the CFL games this weekend painfully dull by comparison?
• Rafael Nadal wins Wimbledon again. So much for the old theory that the kid could only win on clay!
• The J-man tells me his weekend fishing expedition went well. Today he's at the baseball camp put on by the Regina Red Sox.
• I thought my long weekend was down the sewer when the stomach flu moved in Friday morning. Thankfully, it was only a 24-hour variety.
• From a 4-day weekend to a (rare these days) 5-day work week. Oh, the humanity!

Thursday Cheers and Jeers

Your regularly scheduled edition of Thursday Cheers and Jeers has been pre-empted by Canada Day programming:

Cheers

• Canada. It's our country's birthday and I think the old gal is looking pretty darn good for her age!
• The privilege of living in the greatest country on this rock we call Earth.
  
• The Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the 30,000+ leather-lunged fans who will cheer the green and white to glorious victory in tonight's season-opener against Montreal.
• The many tens of thousands who will cheer on the Riders from afar tonight.
• The fact the J-man will be seated beside me tonight, and for the overwhelming majority of Rider home games this year.
  
• Football. Just because.

Jeers

• I'm sure I could find something to criticize today, but I don't want to!