My Saturday with Ted!

November 24/12.

Never expected to be sitting down at the NewsTalk 1010 studios to talk to Ted Woloshyn on Saturday with Ted, but it happened!

This is the little studio where Ted runs the jam-packed show every week,

along with his trusty musical companion, jazz pianist Bill King, who plays the intros before every interview. It was a treat to sit right next to him to watch and listen. What a talent.

I got to the station at 2 St. Clair Avenue West around 11 a.m. Show producer Dan Jacobs came downstairs to the parking lot to bring me up to the second floor, where I waited in the "holding room", (actually the control room for Ted's show)! Really fun to be "behind-the-scenes",

listening to the banter back & forth between Ted and Bill. They make a great team! If I leaned over, I could JUST see Ted's face behind the glass.

Dan Jacobs, (right), gets very little time to sit. He's constantly up and down. He produces Larry Fedoruk's show as well as Ted's, and spends most of his day rounding up guests and getting them into (and out of) the studio. On  the other hand, Mike Catherwood (left, with cap), operates the board, interacts with Ted and Bill and helps make the show flow! I really enjoyed watching Mike in action, so quick with the quips and effects.

There were so many long commercial breaks, Ted even had time to give me a tour of the newsroom across the hall. He showed me where award-winning newscaster Dave Agar sits (2nd from left - the chair right next to the window). The place looks nothing like it did when I worked there way back in 1975!

Ted made me feel so comfortable. We talked about the early days of Good News reporting, the time I spent working with Bob McAdorey (Ted says Mac inspired him to get into radio), teen idol Bobby Sherman, my Dad (Rex Loring), my Mum (Jill Loring, who worked at CFRB as a copy writer for 26 years), and my experience with breast cancer.

Only problem is, now I remember how much I miss the radio biz! Thanks, Ted, for the chance to wear headphones again and talk to an invisible audience. Was a blast!

P.S., I didn't even realize there were video cameras in the studio, recording us the whole time! (Ted pointed them out to me during a commercial break). My sister, Carrie, sent me a few shots. This is one of them.

Click on the play button to listen to the interview!

Saturday with Ted!

November 23/12.

Shameless plug alert!

I'm excited to have been invited as a guest on the radio show Saturday with Ted, featuring Ted Woloshyn tomorrow morning (Saturday November 24th) at NewsTalk 1010 AM. I'm scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

The topic is my experience with breast cancer,

 but I'm hoping we'll also get to discuss the good old radio days (I started my career at CFRB 1010 as a Good News reporter back in the summer of 1975!) - Very old magazine ad above!

And maybe, we might even talk about my 18 years at Global TV, working with the late, great Bob McAdorey (here on the set of Entertainment Desk back around 1996). I still miss Bob. Sigh.

I've been a fan of Ted's for many years. He's such a talented interviewer and has that special gift to make guests feel comfortable. I've never experienced that first-hand, but I hope I'm right, since I'm a nervous wreck about being back on the radio after decades away! (and THIS time, on the OTHER side of the mic!)

Ted always has fabulous chefs on the show to whip up mouth-watering recipes in the studio. I'm sure no chef, but I've decided to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies to give Ted and his co-workers!

With Franelle in Los Angeles

The famous recipe comes from my longtime friend, Franelle Silver, who lives in Hollywood. She used to make these cookies to take on the set of M*A*S*H when she visited the cast and crew. She was always a big hit and welcomed with open arms when she brought these delectable sweet treats!


See you Saturday Ted!

Hospitals & Howard

October 13/11.

A hospital-a-day keeps the doctor away. (not!)

The "new norm" for me is to visit at least one hospital per day, in every way! (Not that I WANT to, but seems it's my calling). NO ESCAPE.

To boost my spirits bigtime, I take my SIRIUS radio contraption with me in the car for a daily dose of Howard Stern - and Robin Quivers, of course. (NewsTalk 1010 in Toronto has SIRIUS competition)! - but don't worry Mike Bullard and Jim Richards - love you always! Still listen - every day. I constantly go back & forth between 1010 and SIRIUS.
(obsessed with radio much??? - YES!)

Plug in SIRIUS, & a mundane drive across town turns into crazy times. Howard and Robin rule!

Don't leave home WITHOUT IT!!!

When I listen, it feels like Howard is right there WITH me. He's brilliant, up on everything, quick-witted, rude, crude, lewd, out there, over-the-top, hilarious and ever-entertaining. Makes me laugh out loud and forget my troubles. (and forget hospitals).

NO ONE can beat the man. Don't think I can go without SIRIUS again, (or at least, until he retires!)

In fact, Kate & I are going to watch Private Parts tonight!

(Kate ordered a VHS copy on Amazon and it's arrived).
Looks like the right night.

Take me AWAY Howard. Make me laugh!
Lord knows I need it.

I Hear Voices! - (SIRIUSLY!!)

September 16/11.

In a galaxy, long, long ago, I started to hear voices. (Yep! Out to lunch from Day ONE!) - Radio voices. The first I remember was my DAD's. Rex Loring. I was almost four years old.

This is my Dad, at CHEX in Peterborough, (where my parents first met), around 1948. (cute, eh??) - No WONDER Mum fell for him!
Ai Carumba!

Everyone has told me the famous story, time & time again, about him having a British accent, and then, working hard to LOSE that crisp, upper crust sound, to "Canadianize" his voice so he could get a job as a CBC Toronto radio announcer. He did it and remained there on the air, both radio and TV, for decades. - (FYI - He is now 85, living in Oakville and still has a fabulous speaking voice)!

Here's a sample of my Dad's voice-over narration from old CBC archives.

A shot of Dad with my sister, Carrie, taken on September 3rd.

And another fun one, also from September 3rd, at his grandson, Lee's baseball tournament. High five!!

Yes, Dad left our household when I was just three weeks shy of turning 4, but I still remember that phenomenal voice! Affected me for life.

After he departed, I recall hearing stories about some of his "pals", like,
Lorne Greene (best known as "Ben Cartwright" on TV's Bonanza - 1959-1973),

but also dubbed "The Voice of Canada," after he was assigned as principal newsreader on the CBC National News. Dad often spoke of Lorne, telling me about how he had founded Toronto's Academy of Radio Arts - (originally called the Lorne Greene School of Broadcasting).

I also heard a lot about William Shatner ("Captain Kirk" on Star Trek). Dad knew him well. Bill was trained as a classical Shakespearean actor and performed at the Stratford Festival.

Shatner's voice is legendary. No matter what he does - radio, theatre, TV, film, (or even reciting Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds!) - his speech pattern is so distinctive.


And the late great Leslie Nielsen.

I recall both my parents telling me stories about his incredible talent and fab voice. According to legend, he appeared in almost 50 live programs in 1950 alone!

After my Mum found herself alone, she got a job as a copy writer at CFRB radio in Toronto for 26 years (1960-1986). She worked with so many talented and memorable announcers including Wally Crouter, Gordon Sinclair, Bill Deegan, Earl Warren, Fred Napoli, Phil MacKellar, and on and on. As a kid, I used to drop by the station frequently to see Mum and often met the announcers and newsmen, all with golden voices. The same thing happened when I'd visit Dad at CBC or the good old Celebrity Club and run into the likes of Bruce Marsh (who did all those gooey Kraft commercials!), and became friends with our family for years.

Is it any wonder, I decided I wanted to enter the world of radio myself?
After a year at Seneca College in the radio/TV course, I landed a summer job as a Good News reporter at CFRB and got training from all the experienced news folks there.

What a job that was! (This old ad really makes me laugh and brings back memories of the Good News team!!)

After graduating from Seneca, I found myself hired at age 20 at CFTR radio (now 680 News) as the City Hall reporter. There, I had the chance to work with so many talented young newscasters/reporters including Larry Silver, Ben Steinfeld, Jeff Ansell, Arlene Bynon, Rayfield White, Robert Holiday ("The Chief"), Mike Katrycz, Terry Scott, Mike Robbins, Roger Ward, Marvin Piuti, (aka J. Michael Phillips - be still my heart!), Cory Galbraith, John Wilson, Clint Nickerson, Ted Bird, John Hinnen, Dana Lewis, Randy Stevens, Austin Delaney, Rob Davidson (at 'FI), and countless others. Loved every minute working there with this talented team.

Not to mention all those incredible jocks! - Jim Brady, Bobby Day, Dan Williamson, Bill Hayes, Paul Godfrey, Gerry Forbes, Gary Bell ("The Space Cowboy!"), Mike Marshall, Mike Cooper, Tom Rivers, John "Records" Landecker, Bob Saint - (world's greatest hugger), and George Hamberger (boy, did I ever have a crush on HIM!!) - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven being surrounded by this wide array of fantastic voices. Every day was exciting! I always wanted to sound like Evelyn Macko with her deep, husky tone. Never DID manage it, but I tried!

I ended up marrying a newsman - Sam Bornstein of CKEY. He was the City Hall reporter there and later became Queen's Park Bureau Chief. To this day, he has a great voice!

A few weeks ago, Sam brought home a surprise for me! SIRIUS radio! Hey Now! For years, I used to love to listen to Howard Stern, but when he joined SIRIUS, I couldn't hear him anymore. Now, after five years or so, Howard is back in my life, and boy do I need him!

At a time when I've been through so much heavy emotional upheaval, Howard and his whack pack sure help sweep it away, at least for a while. I adore his voice, but mostly I just like the laughter he brings my way. I listen at home, and often bring the SIRIUS contraption into my car so I can also hear him while driving.

SIRIUS offers The Official Howard Stern channel, as well as the Stern Show West Coast Replay channel. They boast that the Stern show shuffle searches over 25,000 hours of airtime and brings old shows to the audience, randomly. It's amazing the stuff you can hear!

More recently, I became addicted to Newstalk 1010 (CFRB). My faves are Mike Bullard and Jim Richards.

Mike Bullard - Beyond the Mic

Mike has an edge to his voice and he is just so damn funny. His promos say, "All we ask is that you put up with him for an hour!" Wish it could be longer! He's great.

As for Jim,

Jim Richards (1-4 p.m. weekdays) Whether it's "The Showgram", "The Daytime Friendly", "The Feel-Good Edition" "The Three Hours of Love," - I don't care - it's all good!!

there's just something about his voice! It's fast-paced, down-to-earth, hints of sarcasm flying all over the place, so much humour, and when he laughs, wow. But I think I like it best when he sings! (which he does often). SOOOOOOOO funny. And "The Crossover" he does with Bullard every day just can't be beat! Hysterical.

And finally, let's see. Who is my favourite newscaster of all time? That's easy. Dave Agar. (NEWSTALK 1010). From the moment I first heard him on the air in 1975, I knew he was brilliant. Later, I got to work with him when I was a Good News reporter, watch him in action, and for a time, was his girlfriend. (So ya, I guess I'm a little biased), but not really. Not only is he a gifted writer, but his delivery is pure perfection and in my opinion, he can't be matched by anyone. Check him out weekday mornings at 6, 7, 8 and 9. He's won every award imaginable, his voice is smooth, authoritative and infinitely listenable. His colleague, Mike Stafford, wrote of him in 2008, "He's the best guy in this country - with mad skillz!" That is for sure.

It also happens to be his birthday today. Happy Birthday Dave! Hope it's a great year for you. I'll be listening!

Tamoxifen!!

July 12/11.

Heading back for "Round 2" today. (no, not the 8:45 a.m. segment from the Jerry Agar show on NEWSTALK 1010! - although I WAS listening this morning, so maybe it inspired the name here!) - But "Round 2" of radiation!

Haven't decided WHAT to wear to get me feeling kick-ass and empowered today! Workin' on it.

In the meantime, took my first Tamoxifen tablet today. (Only five more years to go!)

So, in the course of just 24 hours, I'm doing things I've always been told NOT to do! (but then again, since WHEN did I ever listen?) Hasn't it been drummed into us for decades NOT to expose ourselves to radiation and NOT to ingest things that could bring on cancer?

To quote from a medical journal, "Tamoxifen is a drug, taken orally as a tablet, which interferes with the activity of estrogen, a female hormone. Estrogen can promote the development of cancer in the breast. Tamoxifen is used for the prevention of breast cancer and for the treatment of breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

Tamoxifen helps prevent the original breast cancer from returning and also helps prevent the development of new cancers in the other breast. As treatment for metastatic breast cancer, the drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that are present in the body".

All well and good, right? But the list of potential side effects is scary!
The known, serious side effects include, blood clots, strokes, uterine cancer and cataracts. Other side effects include menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain and leg cramps.

But apparently, the benefits of Tamoxifen as a treatment for breast cancer far outweigh the potential risks. (Fingers crossed).

I sure don't need any help with the hot flashes! - Hotter than a firecracker here, thankyou.

Oh, it was kinda funny in the hospital yesterday, when, before radiation, the two lady technicians asked if there was any chance I could be pregnant! Nope. (then I went into a hot flash).

OK! So - cut, print, moving on! See you on the flip side of Round Two!!
Hugs

ITTTTTTTTTTTTTT's FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAY!!

July 8/11.

My whole life, Friday has always been my favourite day of the week. (I
date it back to my obsession with the old "Friday Night Fright Night"
horror flicks, featuring my fave Accuweatherman Tom Jolls on WKBW TV (Buffalo) when I was 11, as the starting point for my never-ending love affair with Fridays!)

Even if it's a sad or bad day, there's just something about the word FRIDAY. (Right Mike Bullard? I'll be listening after the NEWSTALK 1010 noon news today to hear you yell it. - Make it REALLY loud, OK!?)

**Newsflash!! - 12:15 p.m. - Mike not only did it really loud, but he did it THREE times! (You reading the blog and taking requests now Mike?) Thanks!

Today is a particularly good one. Carrie & I survived closing down the Hidey Hole yesterday/saying goodbye to Glengarry, all of the hard work, stress and emotion. Together, we did it. Pulled it off!

Also survived lugging the last remnants of Mum's house back to MY place.

Quite a mess of stuff! Got most of it put away, but still trying to make room for the rest! And tons of junk is packed away into the garage! Carrie and I are making a summer project out of sorting through it all.

Received a call from our lawyer this morning, saying any of the glitches we heard about yesterday regarding the house, seem to be OK now. Looks like the final paperwork will be filed today, all should be well and the deal finally closed. Another reason it's a good Friday!

And to top this special Friday off, also got word early this morning from Princess Margaret Hospital that my first radiation treatment will happen on Tuesday July 12th at 5:20 p.m. I find it incredible that the treatments were miraculously held off until right after we finished work at Mum's place! Perfect timing. Can't quite imagine the thought of running from radiation to the Hidey Hole for work. Too much stress!

But now, the house is done and I can devote my time to going to the hospital every day for the next three weeks or so and getting well for good. I will need 16 treatments - one every day except weekends.

Will receive my weekly schedule of appointments on Tuesday. I've asked for afternoon treatments (between 2 & 3) and have been told I'll get those most of the time. (I'm not great at rushing around in the morning)!

Haven't even read the brochures about radiation and what to expect. I already know it involves fatigue and burning, so do I really need to hear more? Did I ever mention that I don't LIKE fatigue? OR burning?

But I DO like LIVING, so, see you Tuesday at 5:20!! It's a date. (shall I bring the champagne and the baby doll pjs? - Might as well spice it up a bit for myself - and for the blog readers, right gang??)

With the Hidey House experience in the past, I'm embarking on a whole new chapter. Hot new adventure, sizzling new drama. (radiation joke)
Bring it on!!

Have a great Friday!

Newsflash!

June 26/11

As Charlie Sheen used to say, "WINNING!!"
Just found out some cool news. Have been watching the results from the annual RTNDA awards (Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada) in Halifax. FYI - after 49 years, the name is soon to be changed to RTDNA, (Radio-Television Digital News Association - The Association of Electronic Journalists).

Two old friends of mine have been honoured. I'm thrilled for both of them!

John Hinnen, Vice President and General Manager at 680 News, received the President's Award. John was one of my first radio bosses back in the CFTR days. He was actually in charge of sports when I started at 'TR, but later, became news director, and eventually, just took over the place! Hearing his name brings back so many fond memories of working in radio. Congratulations John! 680 rules! (well, when I'm not listening to NEWSTALK 1010!)

And speaking of NEWSTALK 1010, a special friend, Dave Agar, won the Byron MacGregor award (LARGE Market) for the 6 o'clock news - (LIVE at the G20)! This is his third national win. I first met Dave when I was 19, working at CFRB as a Good News reporter. What a fantastic summer that was, and it launched my life in radio and TV for the next 25 years. I was well aware even back then that Dave was the best in the biz, and glad everybody else thinks so too. (If by any chance you happen to see this Dave, heartfelt congrats! The buzz was in the air and I KNEW you'd win!) You SO deserve it. Hope your colleagues sing your praises on Monday!

As Dennis Miller always said on SNL's Update, "That is the news and I AM OUTTA HERE!"

Running out of days!

June 24/11

Tried to get an extension on the closing date for Mum's house to give us more time, but the buyer won't give. So, it's time to really kick butt. Just 13 more days to go. No time for a new photo shoot, so will use this pic. (I don't REALLY wear this shirt every day!) And also, I won't look this calm for the next 13 days!

Will check in later with any news flashes! And pics, if possible. Wish us luck. Gotta arrange a piano mover, among many other things. Have a good Friday everyone! No matter where I am after the NEWSTALK 1010 noon news today, I'll be listening for Mike Bullard to yell at me, "ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT's FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAY!!" Then I'll truly believe the weekend is here. Thanks Mike. Bring it on!!

Good grief

June 8/11

Attempting to keep cool outside, while the power was OFF inside! Better go buy a bag of ice!

Wouldn't you know it, we had a 3 and a half hour power failure here this morning from 7:45 till 11:20! Naturally, on the hottest day of the year, air conditioning off, fridge out, no TV, couldn't check emails or write anything on the blog. Thank goodness for a battery-operated radio and NEWSTALK 1010! (and a Victorian era fan!)

At any rate, everything up and running now. Am working on creating a new entry as we speak.
Keep cool.
I'm not. (but hoping to be soon, now that the a/c is powered up!)
Whew.

Heading out again

May 25/11

I love listening to Mike Bullard's Beyond the Mic on NEWSTALK 1010.
He is simply hilarious. I try to catch his show from noon to one, every day, whether at home or out driving. He's really found his niche with his one hour show, (which he jokes, is about all anybody can't stand of him!) Never met the man, but have been addicted to Beyond the Mic since its debut last September. The way he puts words together - skewed, down-to-earth, punchy - pumps up the pizzazz in my day.

He's even got me revved for this afternoon's big appointment with the radiation oncologist. (and that's saying a lot for Mike's talent!) Keep it coming Mike. I need all the laughs I can get!

I HAVE to hear him say, "ITTTTTTTTTTT's FRIIIIIIIIIIDAY!" every week, or my Friday isn't complete!

Great. Now I want it to be FRIDAY. But it isn't. Oh well.

Heading off to Princess Margaret Hospital soon. Will listen to Jim Richards (also fantastically entertaining) on the way there. I'll admit, 1010 has turned me into a raging talk show junkie. (who knew?) I really miss the radio days and these guys make it seem like so much fun.

Jim Richards - cute shot

Will check in later with my results! (Ryan Seacrest, come on down. "We'll have those results for you - right AFTER the break"!!) - It'll be Scotty tonight, right?

A "full-length" version of the cropped denim pic I posted the other day