Shut Up And Fly

Flying back from Nashville last nite. Good flight - thanks for asking. But what is really making me crazy when I travel by plane is all the chatter over the PA. From the second you get on, for the next 15 minutes they talk and talk and I just want to relax and throw on my ipod.

You know what I mean?

First they tell you how to put on a seat belt. Like why? Everyone knows how to put on a seat belt. Everyone has flown. We get it. For anyone who hasn't flown before, I'm sure the person next to them can show them how to strap in.

Then they show you the oxygen mask - just incase the cabin pressure bonks out. What are the chances of that? Is it a strong possibility?

Then they tell you about the illuminated light strip on the floor in case we go down and the lights aren't working.

And then the floatation device.

And then - the emergency exit that you're sitting next to. I really don't want to be the one who says "ok, we're pulling open the emergency hatch! Hold on to your hats!"

And then, after all that chatter - they do it ALL OVER AGAIN in another language.

Good grief. If the plane is going to crash, we're all gonna pray. Nobody's thinking about the instructions.

When I give my friend a lift in the car, I don't give them a list - seatbelt, airbags, directions for the radio, the heater, the blue tooth - check check. And thanks goodness I only speak one language!

Airplanes. Great to fly. But please, shut up. Let me enjoy the flight - while they little kid sitting behind me wails.

A Day With A Bike

Yesterday I got a "bonus ride". Ya! After church, the sky was blue, the temp was (almost) warm. So I bundled up and hit the road.

I have a biking jacket that is wind proof, rain proof and I think resistant to bullets and all I need is a t-shirt under it and I'm cooking. A plastic pair of windpants and a toque. That's it.

The ride was short - 25km to Shanty Bay. But I always say, "a day with a bike ride is better than a day without a bike ride".

Mmmmm.

Scott's Jukebox

I'm doing a new feature on the radio called "Scott's Jukebox". Basically, it's me, picking one of my favourite songs and telling a personal story about the song.

Like, today I played "Sanctuary" by Kevin Max, and I happened to mention that he's "the Michael Jackson of Christian music" because he's weird. I think he tries to be weird. He likes the attention. Well whether he does or not, he's got an amazing voice. Since this was a bit on the radio I didn't bother to mention that during his performance he pretended to urinate on the back wall of the stage. What an idiot.

The other day I played "Every Moment" by Degarmo and Key. I saw their farewell tour in 1993 and it was fun. I realize I missed their best days, but at least I got to see them before the break- up. Then, two years ago, I was in Nashville and got a private invitation to see the D&K reunion. I was so excited! And - awwwww - what a yawnfest. Eddie and Dana barely spoke to each other. I don't think Dana broke a sweat. So sad. Two classic musicians, together and again, with a catalogue of hits - and not caring.

Also this week I featured a song by Relient K - "Sadie Hawkins Dance". Not exactly a spiritual song but, so what. Not every song has to be about Jesus does it? I told this story of how my friend in Barrie booked Relient K for a concert in his backyard. The mosquitoes were the size of a Buick, chomping massive bites out of everyone - the audience (of 40 people) and the band on stage! Matt Thiessen was complaining about the mosquitoes, putting a damper on the show. My first time seeing Relient K was a let down. I'm glad I've seen them since coz they really are amazing. I love how Matt Thiessen writes fun songs that are about forgiveness and humility and dependance on God. Good themes. Good songwriting.

I'm liking this feature.

I hope you'll tune in Monday at 10:45. I'm playing Guardian! LIFE 100.3. Ya man.

I Don't Care

I'm confused.
I'm unhappy.
I'm unfocused.
It's raining.
I feel blah.
I don't care.
I feel burdened and I don't know what from.
I think Jesus is taking a day off from listening to me whine.
Hope you're having a better day than me.

Kris Allen CD Release

Kris Allen's first post-American Idol album was released yesterday.

I've been listening to his version of "God Of This City" that he recorded with his church friends before Idol even started. And I downloaded a couple of his Idol performances from iTunes - "Come Together" is the old Beatles song - love playing drums along with Kris singing.


The new CD is just named "Kris Allen". Is it Christian? Honestly, I'm a little tired of that question. What does it mean? If he sings five spiritual songs and five non-spiritual songs, is it a Christian album? Beats me.

All I know is he's a Christian. And I like to think that we support other believers' ministries, especially when they purposefully reach out to unbelievers.

Well, Kris co-wrote eight of the songs. He does a cover of "Heartless" by Kanye West. Kris puts some soul into it, where in the original it's more of a thug song.

The first single is "Live Like We're Dying." It's not original either. It was recorded by The Script - an Irish band - but when Kris sings it, knowing he's a Christian, it has a positive, encouraging message. We're playing it about every five minutes on LIFE! Well, not quite.

The rest of the CD is a pop/rock/soulish CD - a bit of everything but not so much that you feel like it lacks direction. Since I'm still a "buy the CD" kind of guy, I read the liner notes before listening to the song, and see that Kris says "Thank you God for always being the same. I know I can always count on You."

Have you heard it?

The Saddest Thing I've Ever Seen

It's been two weeks since my Mom passed away. Up until yesterday I didn't grieve her passing. Mom lived 93 years - a full life - and as I watched her health decline over the last month in the hospital, the end was not a surprise, but a relief.

I was in Dad's retirement condo yesterday. He showed me how he re-arranged their bedroom so it reminded him of Mom. All Mom's favourite teddy bears were sitting on the pillow of the bed. Older family pictures were re-framed sitting around the room. A picture of me about age 9 with my brother, Mom and Dad. The leopard skin bedspread Mom made was folded neatly on the bed.
The tears began to squirt out.

I took Dad for a car ride and dropped him off at his retirement home and waved goodbye. And as I drove out of the parking lot, I noticed Dad didn't go inside. What's he doing? Instead he walked out to the road to the sidewalk and began a short walk. I watched him in my rear view mirror and I could only see his back as he walked away.

I wonder what he was thinking.

It was the saddest thing I'd ever seen. Everyday Mom and Dad would take walks together. Now my Dad was taking an afternoon walk without his lifelong partner. She's gone. Now it's just him. Alone to think about what was, and how he will get through it.

I think that's enough for now.

A Dark Place - A Hopeful Song

Not feeling great today. My friend says I whine and complain too much. He's right. Nobody wants to hear about depression.

But who can I talk to about the dark days, the endless nights when you feel like you don't want to wake up. Sometimes it feels like there is no hope. I know there is hope in Jesus, but He doesn't seem to be taking this disease away. Why?

Part of depression is the fantasies in your mind and if you could make those fantasies come true, you could end the pain.

Today on the radio I'm playing a song by the Sidewalk Prophets. Had I been gifted as a songwriter this is the song I would have written.

Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

My iPod

I love radio. But there are a couple of occasions that I will listen to my iPod.

Going to sleep. I have a playlist that is instrumental worship songs. Very low key and soft. I turn my iPod volume down to the minimum and let the songs wash over me.

I also have a "Soft Christian Playlist". I call it "EZ Rock for Christians". This is the music you would not expect to be on my list.

At the gym. My iPod is better than any gym partner. Partners talk too much. The music keeps me moving. I have a couple of playlists - new and old. Although on occasion I will listen to praise and worship at the gym while the other guys are listening to Metallica! Haha!

This week, my "hot gym songs" are:

Antidote - B. Reith
Mock The Music - Children 18:3
Rain - Creed
Shadows - David Crowder
This Too Shall Pass - The Fold
Dance Or Die - Family Force 5
A Map To The End of The World - Light Division
Down And Out - HK and To Tell
Sometimes - Matt Brouwer
Unknown Caller - U2
New Skeptic - The Fold
Rascal - Gretyl Baird
Come Together - Kris Allen
My Sweet Escape - Run Kid Run

What's in your iPod?

Karaoke Superstar - Super Night!

(Ben Davy, Ed, Levi, me, Miranda (winner), Aleysia and Cherie - the five finalists at LIFE's Karaoke Superstar Finales last night!)

As I pulled into the Opera House parking lot about 6:30, the LIFE Street Team tent was lighting up Mississauga Street. People were squeezing onto the main floor, filling the entire orchestra section. The performers brought their families, their church friends, their fans. A venue full of cheerleaders! Everyone came!

As I took my chair at the judge's table, a cold Coke was waiting for me. Ahhh. I knew it would be a great night!

After a reminiscent slide show of Karaoke Superstar auditions and trivia, Ben Davy introduced Aleysia who came out first to sing a Natalie Grant song. Next it was Levi. Levi's got that "I-just- fell-out-of-bed" kind of "How To Lose A Life" sound. A very cool tone. I can hear him recording songs for LIFE.

Ed was next to sing a Nicole C. Mullen song. "Redeemer" - a big song. But Ed's got a big voice. Unfortunately, it was an off night for Ed. I've seen him sing many times before - he's a pro performer, but the magic wasn't there last night. Miranda was next, nailing a Natalie Grant song and Cherie wrapped it up with a note-for-note version of a Francesca Battistelli song.

Backstage during intermission Woody, me and our special guest judge from Atlanta John Waller compared notes and wrestled out our choices and the rationale for who deserved the Karaoke crown. Two of the three judges picked Miranda to win.

Great to have John Waller in town, singing "The Blessing" and "While I'm Waiting" from the "Fireproof" movie.

I hope you enjoyed the show. Any thoughts? Did you like the judges pick? Leave a comment.

My Headphones Are Dead

Today I will hang up the headphones. No - not for good! Come on... I still have some stuff left in me.

My Optimus Nova 71's are at least ten years old, maybe more. I bought ‘em cheap. Cheap headphones - for a professional broadcaster? Ya. Let me tell you the story.

Back in the early days, at CKLC in Kingston, I bought an expensive pair of AKG 121's. They were awesome! Blocked out external sound. Great tone. And for a DJ, the sound and the volume have to be exactly perfect. I mean - exactly. If the volume isn't exactly the same every day, you don't feel right. If you have to use someone else's headphones - wow - that's the worst, because the tone is different from what you're used to. Which means the sound isn't perfect and your show feels "off".

I bought really expensive AKGs in 1978. A month later, the cord got wrapped around the chair leg and pulled the cable out of the headset. There was a short in the ear piece which, as you might guess, totally wrecks your show.

So, I bought another pair of AKGs. They lasted about a year. Same thing happened. Busted. So ever since, I've only bought cheap headphones, and settled for the "somewhat ok" tonal quality. The cheap ones lasted forever.

The Novas I am retiring today have been with me for over a decade. This week, after many songs have plowed through the earpieces, the right side shorted out. I bought a new pair at the Source for $45.

I know, I know - you get what you pay for. It's unusual that the cheap ones will probably last til my last show - I mean, the very last show.

Texting While Driving

I'm not sure about the hand-held cell phone law. I think it's a bit extreme. I mean, talking to the person sitting next to you can be more distracting than talking on the phone. Or changing CDs, or blowing your nose.

But I do agree that texting while driving is utterly ridiculous and I think it's an appropriate law. Texters (which I have done while driving) spend more time looking at the text message and keypad than watching the road where ittle kids and skateboards and really bad drivers can appear in front of you in the blink of an eye.

Today I watched a You Tube video about texting while driving. It's a recreation of an accident. It's bloody, just to warn you. But I bet you never text again after you see it.

The Burial Was Yesterday

Yesterday was the burial for my mom. Even saying those words sounds weird.

Because my Dad wanted no fanfare there was no service, no wake, no visitation. The burial was simply a ten minute gravesite memorial with a few words.

In attendance were me and Janice, my brother and his wife, their two daughters whom I have not seen for at least 10 years, AJ, Crystal, and of course, my Dad. It was raining a bit but that was ok.

My nieces read a condolence card sent to my Dad from his retirement home. They each read half, crying through most of it.

I read the eulogy.

AJ read Proverbs about a good wife and a good mom. My dad liked that.

My Dad dropped a velvet bag in the hole which contained her ashes, wedding ring and other jewelry. As we all walked to our cars I saw my Dad kneel at the hole in the ground and cry. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose your life-long partner - the person who enjoyed all the great moments of life with you - and then they leave you behind to continue your last few years, alone.

Yes, I do find it odd that I'm not grieving heavily at the loss of my Mom. I think I'm feeling more of a relief combined with God giving me strength. Or, perhaps, the reality has not hit me yet.

Thanks for your thoughts, emails, phone calls and flowers.

The Burial

Today is a special day for me. Today we put Mom's ashes in the grave. So, my wife and my brother are I are taking my Dad to the cemetery in Toronto. My mom was 93 so she had a great, long life.

For the last few years, I'd been thinking about the day she passes away - and how might I deal with that situation. How painful will it be for me? Will I get over it?

My wife and I were at a concert by Kathy Troccoli a few years ago and Kathy told us that when these big events happen, and you think you can't handle it, God gives you the strength to get thru. And I totally feel that way. It must be God because otherwise I'm pretty sure I'd be falling apart. I'm sure there will be a few tears, but I do feel strong.

Last year during Sharathon Mom and I shared a short moment alone in my office. We talked about LIFE 100.3, our mission and her thoughts. Mom told me "I know who my Lord and Saviour is" and that gave me immense peace knowing that Mom knew then that Jesus awaits us on the other side.

The burial is at 2pm today. I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts.