And Now....A Word From The Hek

The Last Out

2012-02-10T07:05:00.001-05:00

Buck Martinez - catcher, broadcaster, manager and.......AUTHOR! Here's my review of his 1986 diary, The Last Out. Enjoy! ER

The Locks of Stamkos

2012-02-02T07:03:00.001-05:00

I've cranked up that rambling zamboni again. The targets: The NHL All-Star game, the AHL All-Star game, Tim Thomas and Steven Stamkos. After reading it, you might fall in love with the locks of Stamkos. - ER

Top Athletes of 2011

2012-01-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

The best of the best! Here they are... ER

Top Teams of 2011

2012-01-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

And the winners are.... Happy New Year! - ER

Re. Randy Cunneyworth

2011-12-26T07:09:00.001-05:00

Here is my take on the English/French debate involving Randy Cunneyworth and the Montreal Canadiens. An overreaction by several Quebecois. ER

New Raptors Schedule

2011-12-22T08:12:00.002-05:00

Here it is. If they can win at least 15-20 games, it will be an achievement. ER

Le Baseball Part Deux

2011-12-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

Found another clip. This one is from 1979 and promotes a Blue Jays/Brewers match. Another jazzy tune with footage from a match between the Jays and the Mariners at the old Kingdome. - ER

Le Baseball

2011-12-14T08:09:00.001-05:00

Questionable clip selection by Radio-Canada for this baseball promo. Although I do like the jazzy tune. From 1977, promoting the first home opener at Olympic Stadium. Lots of footage from Jarry Park. - ER

Re. Beeston and AA

2011-12-08T08:04:00.002-05:00

Lots of discussion yesterday about comments made by Paul Beeston and Alex Anthopoulos. They said if fans want the payroll to increase, they'll have to buy tickets and come to the games. This is a simple case of putting the cart before the horse. If they want fans to buy tickets, Beeston and AA must give fans a reason to do so. In other words, put together a team that will contend. Slight faux

Re. The Hockey54 Show

2011-12-02T08:03:00.002-05:00

Bad news, folks. The Hockey54 Show was cancelled earlier today. A big thank you to Launy Schwartz, Sammy (our technical producer), Mr. Schultz of BCSS, 102.5 The Game, fans/writers/bloggers of the Nashville Predators and our featured guests. And of course, a HUGE thank you to everyone who listened to the show. Launy and I are very proud of what we put together. It was a lot of fun! 7 solid

Episode 6B

2011-11-30T10:30:00.001-05:00

Rejoice! The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show is now available as a podcast. It features former NHLer Phil Housley. Listen to one, two or all three periods! - ER

Re. Maple Leaf Gardens

2011-11-29T21:56:00.000-05:00

For the record, Maple Leaf Gardens did not close in 1999, as some in the Toronto media have reported. MLG was still used by the Leafs as a practice facility for a few seasons. The Toronto Rock also used MLG as their home arena until 2001. There was a OneXOne concert held in the facility, as well as a Nuit Blanche installation in 2008. In addition, the first season of Battle of The Blades was

Technical Issues

2011-11-24T00:20:00.000-05:00

The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show didn't make it to air due to technical issues in Nashville. Fortunately, the first two periods of the episode are now available as a podcast. The remaining period will be included with this week's episode (Sunday, 11pmET/10pmCT on 102.5 The Game). - ER

Tumbling Into Light

2011-11-22T00:00:00.002-05:00

Episode 65 of This Is Toronto is now available. This final edition features TUMBLING INTO LIGHT, a multidisciplinary performance that examines the journey through darkness. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com. ER

Boom Boom Episode

2011-11-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show is now available as a podcast! Listen to one, two or all three periods. It's the best show to listen to, especially if you're occupying somewhere ;) - ER

Re. This Is Toronto

2011-11-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

After 2.5 years and 65 episodes, This Is Toronto has reached its end. The final episode will be released this Friday (Nov.18) and will preview Tumbling Into Light, a multidisciplinary performance by Diasporic Genius Productions. Our lives are always evolving and when change occurs, one must adapt. That is certainly the case with me. My life was quite different when I started This Is Toronto

Episode 4 aka The Bobby Orr Episode

2011-11-09T07:03:00.002-05:00

The latest episode of The Hockey54 Show is now available as a podcast. It features former Predator (and current Washington Capital) Joel Ward and Mike Milbury getting called out by Launy Schwartz. Listen to one, two or all three "periods." - ER

Final Thoughts: World Series

2011-11-08T07:02:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I know. It's a little late. Full credit has to go to the St. Louis Cardinals. Here was a team that was well-back in the wild card standings at the start of September. Yet their hard work mixed with a little luck (meltdown by wild card leading Atlanta) and it all paid off in the end. It was fitting, given that it turned out to be Tony La Russa's final season as a manager and possibly

The Rose Centre

2011-11-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Episode 64 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition features The Rose Centre for Young Adults with Disabilities, a unique organization that helps 18 to 35-year-olds living with a disability. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com NEXT EPISODE: Nov. 18, 2011 - ER

The Season Begins

2011-11-02T07:02:00.001-04:00

Yes, there's a new edition of Zamboni Ramblings. The latest targets: - Battle of The Blades - YouTube - John Tortorella - The Habs and Blue Jackets - The Hockey54 Show Enjoy! - ER (Coming soon: World Series Final Thoughts)

#TheHockey54Show

2011-10-26T07:42:00.002-04:00

To get you up to speed: Launy Schwartz and I co-host The Hockey54 Show, heard every Sunday at 11pm ET (10pm CT) on 102.5 The Game in Nashville. The program is also podcasted. Having said that... Not only is Episode Two of The Hockey54 Show available as a podcast, it's also divided into three periods! You can listen to one, two or all three periods. Launy and I would prefer it if you

Re. Mike Napoli

2011-10-25T08:23:00.003-04:00

As game five of the World Series ended, there was only one thought on my mind: Frank Francisco for Mike Napoli. Damn. - ER

Rendezvous with Madness

2011-10-21T08:03:00.001-04:00

Episode 63 of This Is Toronto is now available. This latest episode previews the 19th annual Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com NEXT EPISODE: Nov. 4, 2011 - ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - World Series

2011-10-19T08:07:00.001-04:00

I was completely wrong about the ALCS and NLCS. To be honest, I'm tired of predicting. It's just guessing. Sure, there are stats to suggest who might win. But once the first pitch is thrown, all the stats go out the window and it comes down to seeing which team is better for that particular match. Anyway... 2011 World Series St. Louis over Texas in six I love a good underdog story. - ER

From the Montreal Expos...Pete Rose

2011-10-17T13:12:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true! Pete Rose played for the Montreal Expos. TheGoodPoint.com and I shall tell you everything (or at least write about it). Enjoy! - ER

MLB Playoff Predictions - LCS

2011-10-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

The Brewers, Cards and Rangers - Three teams I didn't pick. At least I was right about the Tigers and that was a perfect prediction. American League Championship Series Detroit over Texas in seven National League Championship Series Milwaukee over St. Louis in six - ER

The Hockey54 Show

2011-10-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

Episode 62 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition follows up with Hockey54.com. The Toronto-based website is preparing for the debut of The Hockey54 show, which will air on an all-sports radio station in (of all places) Nashville, Tenn. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 21, 2011 - ER

Final Thoughts - Blue Jays 2011

2011-10-05T08:04:00.001-04:00

It's fitting the Blue Jays finished with a .500 record this season. This was a Jekyll and Hyde team. There were times when I loved them and there were times when they made me want to pull my hair out. There were issues with this team. Specifically, the pitchers. For the last few years, Toronto's rotation was its biggest asset. This season, most of the starters were underwhelming. Branden

MLB Playoff Predictions - LDS

2011-09-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

American League Division Series Tampa Bay in 5 Detroit in 5 National League Division Series Philadelphia in 3 Arizona in 5 *Haven't forgotten about the Blue Jays' season. Those thoughts will come soon. - ER

Blue Jays 2011

2011-09-29T08:21:00.001-04:00

Thoughts on the season will come Friday. Meanwhile, here are my season "awards" for the Blue Jays. Team MVP: Jose Bautista Great first half. A slightly cooler second half. Regardless, it was another fine year for Joey Bats. As long as he hits 35-40 homers, collects at least 100 RBIs and makes significant contributions over the next few seasons, I'm happy. Best Hitter: Jose Bautista See above

Brazil on Film

2011-09-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

Episode 61 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition previews the 5th annual Brazilian Film and TV Festival of Toronto (BRAFFTv). www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 7, 2011

5 More Personal Training

2011-09-21T08:07:00.001-04:00

Need help maintaining a healthy lifestyle? These are the people to call: 5 More Personal Training Fully certified fitness trainers. Exclusive personal training rights to the Town of Markham's Fitness Centres. - ER

Blue Jays 2012 Schedule

2011-09-15T07:55:00.001-04:00

Have at it. - ER

Go Fly a Kite

2011-09-09T11:04:00.000-04:00

Episode 60 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition features WindFest - Toronto's Waterfront Kite Festival. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com NEXT EPISODE: Sept. 23, 2011 - ER

Re. Dustin McGowan

2011-09-07T08:33:00.001-04:00

Dustin McGowan last threw a Major League pitch in 2008. Then he hurt his shoulder and was unable to play for three years. Last night, after many procedures and rehab stints, he returned to the Majors - 4 IPs, 3 ERs, 5Ks. 74 pitches (44 Strikes). Congratulations, Dustin! Welcome back! Sometimes, heroes aren't always at the top of the stats sheet. - ER

Re. Mr. Dressup

2011-09-06T11:48:00.000-04:00

Look what I have: My cameo on Mr. Dressup. ;) - ER

Wade Belak

2011-09-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe this has happened again. RIP Wade Belak. I hope the pain is gone. A somber reminder: If you're struggling, please think of those who love you. - ER

Try Veg

2011-08-28T15:29:00.000-04:00

Episode 59 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition previews the 27th annual Vegetarian Food Festival. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com Next episode: Sept. 9, 2011 - ER

Re. Kelly Johnson et al.

2011-08-24T08:02:00.001-04:00

Once again, my head is spinning. After much digestion, here's what I've got: - I don't know much about Kelly Johnson. Looks like he either swings for the fences or swings and misses. He's similar to Mark Reynolds: A player who's more about his power than his average. That power might lead to some intentional walks. Regardless, Johnson's time in Toronto will be an audition for 2012. - It's sad

Rick Rypien: 1984-2011. RIP

2011-08-23T11:45:00.001-04:00

I was saddened by the untimely death of Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien. Here's my article about the incident. - ER

Jack Layton, 1950-2011

2011-08-22T21:24:00.000-04:00

In his own words. "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world." Rest in peace, Jack Layton. - ER

It begins...

2011-08-19T07:15:00.004-04:00

In the last few days, I've had calls from "Peter Shurman" and "Bernie Farber." There must be an election on the horizon. - ER

Passionate Playgoer (Part two)

2011-08-14T15:26:00.000-04:00

Episode 58 of This Is Toronto is now available! This latest edition is the final part of a two-part series featuring theatre critic Lynn Slotkin. www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com Next Episode: Aug. 26, 2011 - ER

The Designated Hitter

2011-08-05T12:12:00.000-04:00

Will the NL ever adopt the DH? Will the AL have their pitchers hit? Will there ever be consistency between the NL and AL? I pose the question and come up with some answers. Enjoy! - ER

Bobby Cox. Take 2

2011-08-05T11:56:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that last post was a fail. Here's the link. - ER

Re. Bobby Cox

2011-08-04T07:08:00.002-04:00

Found this on YouTube and thoroughly enjoyed it! A calm Bobby Cox. Very rare ;)

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