So today it was erectile dysfunction (one in 2 men over 40 suffer the droop)... and an interview with 10 time Stanley Cup Winner Scotty Bowman.

Surreal? Sort of.

It was fun talking about putting the puck in the net. Heh heh.

The movie has wrapped up, but it is a grey and damp evening -- and that means jazz on the stereo and open windows with no distractions from Bongo Park.

It's been a long week. But a good one. I fetched some boxes last night from a friend who lives in Deep Cove (henceforth known as The Cove) and caught the final episode of Friends. Pretty lacklustre. But that may be due to not having watched it for the last 5 years. Although the Ross-Rachel thing was still undecided until the very end. Whatever...

I packed a few more boxes tonight, with little evidence that things are actually packed. This does not bode well for the move. It's going to be a huge amount of stuff. Oh well.

It was great not having the solid news deadlines to deal with. Producing the health segment is almost relaxing. It's busy, but I can take mental breathers. I like that.

I am back to the news grind tomorrow (Sat) and off Sunday. I will continue the packing process... and then Monday, I am health boy once again. But the shooter that I use all week is a good pal -- so it will be a treat. He's also very good at what he does, so that will be a nice change. No names mentioned.

Well, I think I will go pack a box. Or eat.

Cheers!

They shot a movie once...

As I write, Hollywood has invaded the park across the street... transforming it into a dumpy ghetto park. Hard to tell the difference. There is a spray painted statue of Abe Lincoln and all sorts of rubble. And gangs fighting. Hard to tell the difference. Except for Abe -- unless the coalition of the Bushes has annexed Canada.

Last night I went to a promo workshop for TV news. Very disappointing. Years ago, Brent, Lawrence and I thought of starting Promo Doctors -- a promo consulting business. It never happened. Seeing the guy yesterday made me think -- we should have. He said nothing new, and in fact, stomped on creative ideas and talked to us like kids. And I don't think he had a clue as to the realities of what a promo producer faces: budgets, uncooperative newsrooms, lack of facilities. THAT is the sort of stuff a consultant should take into consideration.

Plus, the style was SO Americanized. Little thought for the subtle differences between the two countries.

Of to work now... shooting a feature on Epilepsy.

Cheerio!

Bit of a change in work life -- today I began producing the CTV health segment. I interviewed a male doctor about menopause. Uh huh.

Tomorrow I interview "The Limey" Terrance Stamp about Pilates exercises.

And then I go to a news promo conference in the evening.

Right now: laundry! Up next: Making lunch!

How's that for excitement!

Cheers!

New home....

This is it, on the right:

http://www.seethenorthshore.com/deepindian/6933-12.JPG

The hell is over.

Well, the looking hell.

After deciding to let the universe steer this house hunting thing, I went poking around various neighbourhoods in search of a new home. But it became a little overwhelming as there are a lot of places for rent, and a lot of great places to live in Vancouver.

So I decided to not worry about it -- and commit to an area first, and then commit to a flat.

This afternoon I went to visit a friend of mine who lives in Deep Cove, over on the north shore.

Long story short: there was a for rent sign in the window of his building. I checked it out. The landlord dropped the rent. And I snapped it up.

I will be moving to Deep Cove sometime after May 15th,

So now, all I have to do is pack. And I will definitely hire movers!

The apartment has an incredible view -- it has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths... wood fire place, in suite laundry, dishwasher, underground parking, and is located in paradise.

Here's the link to the community website.


Life is good!

The hell begins.

Back from Calgary -- and 2 12 hour shifts at CTV later -- I have made the move to make the move.

I gave my notice today. The bongo's have won.

I am outta here.

Tomorrow (Sat) the searching for new digs begins...

Wish me luck!

Cheers!

Last Day In Calgary...

And how do I spend it?

Working on tax reports all morning. But there was cold pizza and warm pop, so it wasn't all bad.

Currently in Calgary it is 2:43pm. I am getting out into the glorious sunshine and gettin' me a coffee & lunch. Here its 7C. Home is 18C. Not for long though!

Cheers,

Doug

What a trip.... so much for time off...

Monday: cut my radio item in the morning, fed to CBC Winnipeg.
Afternoon: needed hair trim, met publisher of magazine looking for travel writer, exchanged details.
Evening: out on the town celebrating with Calgarians.

Tuesday: 8am -- chat with freelance Latin American writer for Globe, Star, Canadian Geographic.
11am -- meet with artist friend Connie
1pm -- meet and have lunch with promo manager at CFCN (CTV)
3pm -- hang out at A-Channel
6pm -- attend Night-of-Artists Calgary meeting, watch Flames beat wings in the rec room while drinking Trad.
9pm -- attend CBC Radio concert event at the Big Secret Theatre
12:30am -- write this. eat cold pizza. plan to head home tomorrow :(

Cheers!

Hello from Calgary!

I've been here since Saturday, and the time is flying by. It's been nice to have a break from work, though, in reality, I've been working here too.

I finally finished my latest CBC Radio piece... and then fed it to the network on Monday morning. I did it all with my powerbook, which I continue to adore.

I've been staying at my buddy Dave's place. Dave and I have been exploring the bars of Kensington -- eating poorly and sampling too many beer. That has slowed in recent days.

Yesterday (Monday), in addition to being my birthday, was a positive business day. I went to get my hair cut, and it turned out that one of the owners of the salon is starting a local magazine -- and needs a travel writer. So I've given him samples and crossed my fingers.
You never know where you'll find opportunity...

Last night we went for celebrations with a collection of interesting Calgarians. They are friends of my friends Don and Linda. D&L are from Vancouver, but are up here visiting. It was Linda's birthday as well. We had many laughs at a brew pub called the Barley Mill.

Now it is Tuesday -- and the countdown to flying home has begun... I leave Wednesday night and I'm back at work on Thursday... for a 12 hour shift. Same friday.

But I shall enjoy the present...

Cheers!

Remember me?

It seems that what was once a daily diversion is not something that rarely sees me.

But that should change soon.

The latest: Nearly finished the newest item for CBC Radio. It's on shortwave radio and it's been a long time in the making. I will finish it by Monday. But not in Vancouver. More on that later.

The contract paperwork is in the hands of the National Geographic Society. Payment due soon!

The accountant tells me I am due a refund on my late taxes. And probably more on the less late ones. And more on the soon to be late ones. I shall not let this get so out of control again. Still, its nice to be expecting money now, as I am earning a full time salary -- which means all of it goes to debt reduction. Yeah!

I was beginning to regret booking my latest trip. Was it wise to spend hundreds and be away from earning money? Well, after his past week... HELL YES!!! It's been a tough week at work... writing news. Really tough some days. Multiple deadlines. Little errors slipping through. And being tired has made it hard to concentrate. Not good.

Outside of those hours, it seems all I do is work. Whether its taxes or other projects. And I average about 5 hours of sleep a night.

So it is a blessed thing that I will have 5 days off. And then it's back to the grind. But, when payday rolls around... it's worth it.

No new roomie yet. I've decided to let that work itself out. If I have to move, I have to move. At least I know I can afford it now.

And I think I *need* to move. A change is always good. There are many other parts of Vancouver that need my presence!

And so it goes. More from Calgary beginning tomorrow. And I will return to paradise on Wednesday...

Cheers!