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Aiko Iwashita - blog

March Break Fun without Breaking the Bank!

March Break Fun without Breaking the Bank!

Ideas for how families can spend their March Break:

  • Debbie Frye of Flyerland.ca, is an expert on being smart, not cheap, and she gave me some tips and advice on how to make your March Break fun and memorable, without blowing your budget.

  • If you looking to save on your "staycation" this March Break. Visit Attractions Ontario where you can find over $800 in savings.

  • Taking the family on a day trip. Instead of spending March Break in front of the TV or computer, get outside and get active! Plan a day to take the gang cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or hiking.

  • Host a Movie night sleepover with sleeping bags, PJs and lots of popcorn! Rent a bunch of movies from Blockbuster.

  • Bring out the classic board games. Get everyone together for a Monopoly Match, Twister Tournament.

  • Plan a theme day and bake, do crafts, or create a day around the kids favourite hobbies.

  • Create a Spring clear-out contest. The kids may not think Spring cleaning is fun but make it a game. Challenge them to clear out old toys and clothes from their bedrooms to donate to charity. Then you can award points for each piece they give away to use towards a new toy or something on their wish list.

  • Take cue from ELLEN and host a Daytime dance party. Invite your kids' friends over for a party-you can even ask their parents. Have everyone bring snacks and their iPods, and dance the afternoon away.

For great deals, discounts and coupons go to Canada's leading website Flyerland.ca it's got great ideas on how to save money from groceries, to electronics to travel.

Figure Skater Joannie Rochette thanks the fans!

Figure Skater Joannie Rochette thanks the fans!

We all know the tragic story behind figure skater Joannie Rochette and the passing of her mother last week.  Well she performed her short program last night which set her up pretty good for tomorrow's finals.  Today on twitter and facebook her agent posted a note thanking her fans:  Here's the general translation as they wrote it in French. 


Thank you for your support towards Joannie Rochette during these difficult times.  Joannie wants all her fans to know that she appreciates your love and the encouragement that she's received.  If you want to send a card to Joannie, send your wishes to his agent:  Joannie Rochette c/o David Baden 304 Park Avenue South, 5th Floor New York, NY 10010 USA.

Oscar Party 2010 in support of the AIDS network, hosted by Aiko!

Oscar Party 2010 in support of the AIDS network, hosted by Aiko!

I invite you to come and celebrate a night of glitz and glamour hollywood style! 

The AIDS network of Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant presents "Rodgers and Hammertown - Some Enchanted Evening", Oscar Party 2010! 

On February 20th at Carmen's Banquet Centre enjoy an evening of dinner and entertainment with performances by "BIG VOICES" saluting songs from wonderful musicals and a DJ will provide music throughout the evening. 

Songs for Haiti

I'm so happy to tell you that 102.9K-Litefm continues to support the earthquake relief in Haiti.  We've added Simon Cowell's produced version of REM's "Everybody Hurts" plus Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris' version of Hallelujah from the Haiti Telethon.  

Click here to view the Helping Haiti "Everybody Hurts" official promotional video.  Please be aware there are disturbing clips within the video but this is the reality that the Haitians were and are living with, so please watch with discretion.  
Oscar Party 2010 in support of the AIDS network, hosted by me!

Oscar Party 2010 in support of the AIDS network, hosted by me!

I invite you to come and celebrate a night of glitz and glamour hollywood style! 

The AIDS network of Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant presents "Rodgers and Hammertown - Some Enchanted Evening", Oscar Party 2010! 

On February 20th at Carmen's Banquet Centre enjoy an evening of dinner and entertainment with performances by "BIG VOICES" saluting songs from wonderful musicals and a DJ will provide music throughout the evening. 

Put on a few layers and enjoy this winter weather!

It's been a really nice day so far today, although the clouds seem to be increasing at the moment.  But otherwise the cold frigid tempuratures have moved out and now we're dealing with more comfortable winter weather. 

Driving into work today I drove by Moutain Drive Park on Concession and watched a father with his son skating on the outdoor rink. Funny enough the little boy probably maybe 3 years old was more steady on his feet then his dad!  It was so cute!! 

On days like today I just want to go out for a long walk or if you're a winter sports enthusiast then you're probably dreaming of skiing or snowboarding right now.  All year long I head out to the Kimberly / Kenilworth escarpment stairs in the city's East end.  During the winter it's very painful but I still get out as much as I can.  It's usually painful because of the extreme cold weather but on days like today it's not that bad. 

Simon Cowell's Haitian relief song

Michael Buble, Leona Lewis, Rod Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Jon Bon Jovi, James Blunt, Mariah Carey are among the more than 20 artists who helped Simon Cowell put together his remake of REM's Everybody Hurts produced for Haitian earthquake relief.   And you can download it at hmv.com.

It won't be until February that we hear the other Haiti earthquake relief charity song.  The remake of We Are The World with more than 75 artists involved will premiere during NBC's opening ceremony coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. 

Looking for Michael Jackson fans!!!

Do you love and miss MJ? Do you call yourself a true fan?  Well then I'm looking for you!!!

Beat the box office all week to see the "King of Pop: Michael Jackson Experience" live April 1st at Hamilton Place Theatre. 

Tickets go on sale Saturday February 6th, 2010 through ticketmaster outlets and the Copps Coliseum box office. 

Be listening this week with me "Aiko" 2-7pm!!  Call 645-LITE (5483) when you hear your cue to call.  Good luck!

Check out this Aiko Iwashita's blog | read more

What's with this wind chill!!!!

Wow...it is cold!!!  I think this is the coldest weather we've had so far this winter.  With the winter conditions being so mild in our area the blast of winter air is not making me feel so well!!  I think I'm suffering from weather related headaches today...booo.  Oh well I'll get over it!

So today between now and 7pm be listening for your Barenaked Ladies cue to call to beat the box office!  Tickets for The Barenaked Ladies show at Hamilton Place April 28th go on sale tomorrow at noon at the Copps Coliseum box office or through ticketmaster outlets.

Call 645-LITE(5483) when you hear the cue to call!

Follow me on twitter.com/Aiko_Iwashita

Beat the Box Office to see the Barenaked Ladies

Beat the Box Office to see the Barenaked Ladies

Win tickets before you can buy them!!!

Listen tomorrow to me "Aiko" 2-7pm for your chance to beat the box office for a pair of tickets to see The Barenaked Ladies at Hamilton Place April 28th!  Listen for your cue to call then call 645-LITE
(5483).

Tickets go on sale Friday January 29th at Noon, through the Copps Coliseum box office, call 905-527-7666 or through ticketmaster outlets. 

Barenaked Ladies on K-Litefm this afternoon!

Make sure you don't miss Ed Robertson & Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies this afternoon around 4pm on 102.9K-Litefm!!  We'll be talking about their new album All In Good Time, out March 23rd!

2nd week of January .... how you holding up?

Ok, we're into the 2nd week of 2010 ... how are things on your end?  Do you have a new years resolution? Is it tough? I think the toughest most common resolution is to quite smoking and if it's yours then I can imagine you aren't the happiest going into this 2nd week of the new year.  Keep it up if your "ready" to quite then be strong you can totally do it!  Drop your habit and regain a healthier life.  I think they say it takes 21 days for something to become a habit....so just think you're 11 days in now.  I now it's not that easy..

Survivor Villans vs Heros = Amazing!!

The rumors were all true. The cast was officially announced this evening on the People's Choice Awards. From the press release:


20th Installment of the Hit Television Series, Hosted by Emmy Award Winner Jeff Probst, Premieres with a Special Two-Hour Episode on Thursday, Feb. 11


Twenty former castaways will return to compete on SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS, when the 20th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres with a special two-hour episode, Thursday, Feb. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.


SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. VILLAINS will reunite some of the most memorable, heroic and controversial castaways from previous SURVIVOR seasons. The series' best strategists will face off in their attempt to overcome - or embrace - the label placed upon them when they return to seek revenge or redemption, all in an effort to win the title of Sole Survivor.

Love them or hate them all my favs are back, Jerri, Coach, Boston Rob, Rupert and yes RUSSELL who in my opinion got ripped off last season.  Check out the full cast here.

Crossing the border over the holidays?

Happy Holidays everyone = )

If your travelling across the border over the holidays you might want to check out the U.S & Canadian border wait times websites.  Both sites will give you an idea whether or not there's any delay. 

Click here for U.S border times.

Click here for Canadian border times.


Safe travels!

Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays

Well we're 3 days away from Christmas day and I think I'm ready!  How about you?  By the looks of the parking lot at Lime Ridge...a lot of you aren't done shopping yet!! LOL...which is fine but I must say I don't envy you = ). 

I just wanted to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year...2010...WOW!!! 

Will you be saying 20-10, 2000 & 10?  Me? Hmmm ... most likely I'll say 20-10 ... no wait I'll probably say both...LOL!

10 days and counting ....

Your days are numbered if you're not ready for Christmas it's literally right around the corner ... but ...
... hmmm ... I hate to say this out loud ... but ... I'd kinda like to see some ... snow.  There I said it! LOL!  I can already hear some boos and actaully some agreeing with me. 

I'm not saying I want to see Huntsville snow, but it'd be nice to see some white stuff to cover up the green grass.  It's a little hard to get fully into the spirit of things when it feels like spring.  To help me get into the mood I'm going to give! Tis the season to think of those less fortunate.  Here at the radio station we sponsor a family every year with the help of Children's Aid.  With the money we collect we go out and purchase presents for the whole family so they too can enjoy a Christmas morning full of joy!  Another way I plan to give this season is to support Hamilton Food Share with a cash donation.  With every $1 donated Hamilton Food Share can raise $10 worth of food. 
Aiko and her new Fuji z33 Waterproof digital camera!

Aiko and her new Fuji z33 Waterproof digital camera!

OMG it's so cute!  Look!  I just got the Fuji z33 Waterproof digital camera

It's called kiwi green and its super compact fits into my purse without taking up hardly any room!!   I love that it comes in cool colours, Hawaiian Blue, Daredevil Black, Liquid Gold and Rock Chick Pink!!  It's kinda like a camera that fits your personality and lifestyle! 

I say lifestyle because this camera is also waterproof and perfect for all the elements, take it to the beach, on a hike, for a bike ride, anywhere and everywhere!  I'm excited to use it when I head to Mexico this winter.  It'll be great when I go snorkling!!  Here fishy fishy fishes!!  This camera can go into 3 meters of water for up to 2 hours, cool!!  Perfect for both taking pictures and recording little videos! 

Here's some other features of this camera:

Help Aiko decorate her Miracle Tree for Mac Kids!

Christmas Tree This holiday season I hope to help make miracles happen!  If you're able to help me decorate my Miracle Tree I'd be so grateful.  Click here and donate to my tree 102.9 K-Litefm "Aiko's Tree"
Where is Aiko?

Where is Aiko?

Hey there!  I just wanted to let you all know that I'm off on holidays for 2 weeks as of Friday November 13th!  I'll see ya back here on the 30th all rested and ready to go!!

You can always email me at aiko@k-litefm.com!!  See ya!

Santa's coming Santa's coming!!

Santa's coming Santa's coming!!

Christmas is 44 days away!!  (as of Nov 10) 

Are you ready?  LOL...ok don't hit me....of course most of us aren't ready...although I do know a few girlfriends who are close to being done with their shopping...crazy right!?? 

Well maybe all you need is to get into the holiday spirit and what a better way to do so than to go and see Santa himself!  The Hamilton Santa Claus Parade is this Saturday Nov 14th at 2pm.  The parade route starts at Queen & Main St, East on Main to John Street, North on John to King Street, West on King to Bay Street. 

Toronto & Golden Horseshoe to host 2015 Pan Am Games!

Congratulations to Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe on getting the 2015 Pan Am games!!

What does this mean for the City of Hamilton?  Well for starters Hamilton gets a new track and field stadium and a new indoor velodrome.  I also believe this will be a great morale boost for the City and for all of us, something I think we all needed. 

Great news!!

TiCats Thriller video!

To those who missed last Sat's Ticat game..you gotta check this out!Lesley Stewart and Stripes have a starring role in the Hamilton Tiger Cats "THRILLER" parody...keep in mind it was Halloween last Saturday.To all who were involved in creating this video, job well done!!CLICK HERE

Hi my name is Tyler

Hi my name is Tyler

hi my name is tyler smith
and im in grade nine
and this is what i did in an hour with AIKO

-Sat in chair and watched on a different monitor what aiko does for commercials
-listened on headphones to aiko do her report
-listened to aiko tell people how long they have till their on to do their part(news and traffic)
-i said 'hi' into a microphone on air
-learned about the 'commercial program' (how it works(maestro log and queue))
-left the room while a k-lite news director came in to do her part on the radio


IT WAS PRETTY FUN

Take Our Kids to Work Day ....

Well I don't have any kids so I'm borrowing today!

Thanks to my friend Lynda here at the station I've got some company in the K-Lite Studio.  Tyler is a grade 9 student at Saltfleet Highschool and he along with many other grade 9 students are taking part in the nation wide Take Our Kids to Work! initiative. 

According to the program outline this day was created to support career development by helping the students connect school, the world of work and their own futures.

So I guess I need to show Tyler the way of my work day.....hmmmm..... well Ty? What should I teach you????  Ok here's what I'm gonna do.   I'm going to put Ty to work.  It's now just after 3pm, Tyler will be in with me for about an hour...so I'll get Ty to write part of my blog...sounds good right?  Ty you'll need to write your hour long experience with me in the K-Lite Studio...your own personal birds eye view of the workings of an afternoon drive show on 1029.K-Litefm.  
2 H1N1 clinics open in Hamilton

2 H1N1 clinics open in Hamilton

H1N1 has caused a undeniable increase of volume at our hospitals, Dr's offices and clinics which is why the City of Hamilton will open 2 H1N1 assessment centres starting tomorrow.

These will only be for those with flu like symptoms.  There won't be any vaccines given at these clinics nor will anyone be treated for anything other than flu like symptoms. 

Here is more information from the City of Hamilton:

The centres will be open for at least the next four weeks - possibly longer if needed. They are a collaborative effort of Hamilton Public Health Services, Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and family physicians in the Hamilton community. They will be staffed by community physicians along with hospital nurses and support staff.

A great weekend with the family and the Bulldogs!

A great weekend with the family and the Bulldogs!

A great weekend ahead full of family fun and great hockey with the Hamilton Bulldogs!

Tomorrow night (Oct 30th) bring the family out to watch the Bulldogs take on the Abbotsford Heat at Copps Coliseum 7pm start.  Make sure you're dress to win...because this Friday the Dogs celebrate Halloween!  All fans will get goodies and treats at the front doors, the kids will also love the spooky activities in the concourse area plus you could win prizes for best costumes!

Then on Sunday catch the Bulldogs take on the Peoria Rivermen, 3:30pm.  Come early for the pr
Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Sorry for the weird choppy looking photos underneath, but it was the best that I could do.  I'm not very tech savy and I wanted to show you this article I got from my Women's Health magazine.  Let's be realistic most of us are going to eat Halloween candy anyway, so I wanted to help you choose the best treats for only 100 Calories!! (3 photos below)

Women's Health October 2009, page 84.
The difference between a cold and H1N1...

The difference between a cold and H1N1...

I must admit I am still undecided regarding getting the H1N1 vaccine.  Last year was the first year I didn't get the flu shot and was fine during flu season.  Although with the added concern now regarding H1N1, I am thinking more about getting it this year. 

Hamilton had it's first H1N1 flu clinic the other day and hundreds of people lined up for the chance to get their vaccination. Don't worry if you missed it, the city is planning more clinics next week.  For more information about H1N1 flu clinics click here.

More Halloween Costume Ideas...

More Halloween Costume Ideas...

OctoMom Halloween 

I though this would be a funny Halloween costume....Octo Mom!!!  Just make sure to pucker your lips all night!!!

And another one that everyone's talking about is of course ....Balloon Boy!!  Here's the Canadian connection to this story....A Saskatoon company that makes remote-controlled airplanes and blimps is capitalizing on the hype surrounding six-year-old Falcon Heene with an official Balloon Boy Halloween costume kit, selling online for $19.99 - and it's flying off their virtual shelves.
Follow Aiko on twitter

Follow Aiko on twitter

Twitter
Follow me on twitter 140 characters at a time...well sometimes less!!

You can find me at twitter.com/Aiko_Iwashita

Popular Halloween Costumes

Popular Halloween Costumes

Aiko Glenda Witch 

LOL!!!  This was me as Glenda the Good Witch one Halloween!!  What are you going to be dressing up as this year?  Halloween falls on Saturday night, very convient for those who want to party!! 

So I was thinking the other day of the most popular costumes for 2009...#1 has got to be Michael Jackson ... here are a few others I was thinking of ...

Couples costumes: Bella & Edward or Bella & Jacob TWILIGHT, Sookie and Bill from True Blood ...
View a U2 concert for free, in full and LIVE!

View a U2 concert for free, in full and LIVE!

Are you a fan of U2 and didn't get the chance to see The 360˚ Tour in Toronto last month?  

Well how about watching their show live this Sunday (Oct 25th) night from the comfort of your own home! 


U2 will be streaming their live concert from the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California, Sunday for free, in full and live on YouTube!


Watch the concert live Sunday night 8:30 Pacific Time which is I believe 11:30 here. 


Here's the link to the band's official YouTube channel. 

This weekend, heads up CONSTRUCTION and I'm at EHR!!

This weekend, heads up CONSTRUCTION and I'm at EHR!!

Will you be taking advantage of our strong Canadian dollar with a little cross border shopping this weekend, maybe you're planning a visit to Niagara Falls or both?  Well hEADS UP the QEW will be closed in both directions through St. Catherines starting at midnight SATURDAY to 10am SUNDAY.  Your detours are:  

Toronto Bound QEW: exit at Thorold Stone Rd W, head West onto Highway 58, to the North bound 406 and back onto the QEW.

Niagara Bound QEW: exit onto the South bound 406, then head East onto Highway 58, to Thorold Stone Rd back to the QEW.


AND ......

On SATURDAY (Oct 17th) I'll be live on remote at East Hamilton Radio for their biggest sale event..EVER!  EHR is holding their PRIVATE SALE but this year...they're inviting EVERYONE!  For one day only take advantage of their biggest sale.  There will be hourly specials and ticket giveaways!  I'll be there from 1pm - 5pm.  See ya at East Hamilton Radio coner of Barton & Kenilworth!

Twitter

Follow me on twitter

Follow me on twitter 140 characters at a time...well sometimes less!!

You can find me at twitter.com/Aiko_Iwashita.

I'm ready for the snow! But I'm not happy about it....

I'm ready for the snow! But I'm not happy about it....

I know I know .... "WINTER'S COMING DEAL WITH IT" right? .... I know I know!!!

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, yes the 4 beautiful seasons.  I'm lovin this time of year myself.  Fall's my favourite time of the year to take the dog for a walk and breathe in that fresh crisp air.  There's something freeing about going for a walk along a trail, it's relaxing being able to enjoying nature...don't you find? 

Well I guess we all have to suck it up .... winter's on its way!  Unless you're a snow junkie then I guess you can't wait!!  I've gotta say, I do "like" winter, just not that slushy dirty snow, the snow & ice storms and those gloomy wet snowy days ....lol...I do "like" the bright sunny winter days with the beautiful white gleaming snow...lol!!  With that being said I guess we can't have beautiful winter days for the whole season, which is why I've winterized my Jeep this year.  I procrastinated last year and went without changing my tires, this year that's not an option.  So I went ahead and bought new tires and wiper blades...I'm smirking, but I do admit it was money well spent....safety first right?  LOL!  Yes of course, I do feel much safer driving a winterized vehicle and if you're in the same boat as I was then it would be a good idea to start shopping around for tires now.  If this year is anything like last year and the tire shortages, you're better off getting them now stress free.  Also most of the tire retailers have their sales on now...I got my tires at a $30-$40 discount off the regular tire price. 

Dare I say it .... Let it Snow!!!!!   Ok....maybe wait until after Halloween! LOL!! 

Get ready to WALK along way after Thanksgiving dinner...Yikes!

Get ready to WALK along way after Thanksgiving dinner...Yikes!

Ever wonder how many calories you'll eat over this Thanksgiving long weekend?  Considering that some of us have more than 1 dinner obligation to fullfill believe me we'll be FULL!!  But how full will you be? 

I found this fun site at about.com which calcuates the calories you'll eat per Thanksgiving dinner.  Try it out and see.  What's really fun though is that it equates how long you have to walk to burn off the calories.


Here's a look at my approximate intake of what I think I may eat for dinner .... OH MY .... I better put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes...I'll be walking FARRRRRRR!!!!!


 

One glass of wine, One ounce of potato or tortilla chips, Six ounces of white and dark turkey, Half a cup of stuffing, Half a cup of mashed potatoes, Half a cup of gravy, Half a cup of sauteed green beans, A dinner roll, A pat of butter, A slice of pumpkin pie, Half a cup of ice cream, ...that comes to 1620 calories. You will need to walk 16.2 miles, 26.12 kilometers, or 32400 steps, assuming you cover one mile in 2,000 steps.

Eat Local this Thanksgiving

Eat Local this Thanksgiving

Why not challenge yourself this Thanksgiving by going greener! 

Cut your carbon footprint and head to your local farmers market!  Everything you'll need for dinner is there and in season, beans, beets, potatoes, squash, corn, cranberries and even your turkey and desserts!

I found this old Spectator article from last year online, it's on how to Eat Local this Thanksgiving, click here to read it!

Your family and friends may be driving from all corners of the City or even the Province, so why does your menu have to?
Eat This NOT That for Thanksgiving

Eat This NOT That for Thanksgiving

Eat This Not That this Thanksgiving!
(Courtesy of Men's Health Magazine)

EAT THIS


Turkey Breast Dinner, 6 oz

731 calories; 61 g protein; 85 g carbohydrates; 20 g fat (11 g saturated); 1,240 sodium


1 medium slice pumpkin pie with low-fat whipped cream

Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Sorry for the weird choppy looking photos underneath, but it was the best that I could do.  I'm not very tech savy and I wanted to show you this article I got from my Women's Health magazine.  Let's be realistic most of us are going to eat Halloween candy anyway, so I wanted to help you choose the best treats for only 100 Calories!! (3 photos below)

Women's Health October 2009, page 84.
Listen to Aiko for your chance to meet Michael Buble!

Listen to Aiko for your chance to meet Michael Buble!

I'm looking for Michael Buble fans!  Listen to me "Aiko" 2pm - 7pm all this week for your chance to win the "Haven't Met Michael Buble Yet?" Prize Pack!

When you hear the Michael Buble cue to call sounder be the 10th caller through at 645-LITE(5483). 

Caller 10 then qualifies for the prize pack which includes:
 

  • Four wristbands to attend Michael Buble's autograph signing session at the Eaton Centre in Toronto (Saturday October 10th)
  • A copy of his new CD "Crazy Love"
  • And a $50 Cadillac Fairview Shop! Card

The winner will be announced this Friday October 9th the release date of Buble's new CD "Crazy Love"

I ran my first 5k race!!

I ran my first 5k race!!

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Congratulations to everyone who took part in the CIBC Run for the Cure across the country yesterday.

The Burlington/Hamilton race brought in around 7,000 participants and looks like we'll hit the $1 million dollar goal again this year!!  That's awesome!!!!!!!

The event was great, well organized and the energy was so high and fantastic.  They had food to energized the runners and walkers before and after the race, tons of water and juice.   We were well taken care of for sure.

Fans of Michael Buble...you gotta see this!

Michael Buble
I love love love Michael's new single "Haven't Met You Yet" it's such a feel good song and catchy too!  New CD "Crazy Love" hits stores October 9th!

Watch his new video for "Haven't Met You Yet" here.
Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Give into your Halloween cravings 100 Calories at a time!!

Sorry for the weird choppy looking photos underneath, but it was the best that I could do.  I'm not very tech savy and I wanted to show you this article I got from my Women's Health magazine.  Let's be realistic most of us are going to eat Halloween candy anyway, so I wanted to help you choose the best treats for only 100 Calories!! (3 photos below)

Women's Health October 2009, page 84.

What are your plans to go hands free?

Come October 26th driving while using hand held electronic devices will be against the law!  

If you get caught driving while talking or texting on a cell phone, blackberry etc, you could be fined up to $500.  Now if you can't live without your GPS don't worry they're allowed to be used as long as they're properly secured to your dashboard. 


Here's some good news we get a 3 month break to get used to obeying the law, police won't start issuing tickets until February 1st, 2010. 

A no go for Balsillie or the NHL

I just read this off thespec.com!  Umm ... ok ... so what now?!!!!!!!


NHL judge rejects both bids for Coyotes TheSpec.com - BreakingNews - NHL judge rejects both bids for Coyotes
By DANIEL NOLAN


Jim Balsillie's quest to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and relocate the team to Hamilton is over.

An Arizona judge ruled today against the Waterloo billionaire's bid to acquire the team in the face of opposition from the NHL.

Judge Redfield T. Baum released a 31-page judgment which shut the door on Balsillie's five-month attempt to get the team because he found Balsillie could not satisfy the league's claims and rights under its governing rules.

One of the rights was that the NHL only admits new team owners that meet its written requirements. At the end of July, league owners voted 26-2 against allowing Balsillie to become a team owner, claiming he had a disreputable character.

The judge also cited the relocation issue - the right of the NHL to control where its members play their home hockey games - and the right to a relocation fee, if appropriate, when a member team relocates to a new site. The fee has been suggested as ranging between $101 million and $195 million.

Balsillie had offered $212.5 million to buy and move the bankrupt team, but of late had upped it to $242 million to try and satisfy claims by the City of Glendale, where the Coyotes played in the Jobing.com arena.

The judge also rejected  the NHL's $140 million offer to acquire the team and keep it in Arizona, but indicated it was a flawed bid that could be corrected.

Judge Baum said he could not consider the NHL's bid because it did not take into account the debts of all creditors, specifically Coyotes' owner Jerry Moyes and now former coach Wayne Gretzky. Their amounts valued more than $100 million.

"The denial of the NHL's bid is done without prejudice because it seems to the court that the defect in the NHL's bid could be easily cured by the NHL," the judge wrote.

"In hockey parlance, the court is passing the puck to the NHL who can decide to take another shot at the sale net or it can pass off the puck."

Baum's ruling says the Balsillie bid is denied "with prejudice."

Follow me on Twitter!!

Twitt much? Don't Twitt at all? Maybe you should?

 

I'm on Twitter all afternoon and would love for you to follow me here at Aiko_Iwashita.

 

I'll keep you up to date on what's happenin' and hopefully you can keep me up to date on what's happenin' in your life!

 

Come Twitter with me 140 characters at a time!!


 

Would you like to sponsor AIKO in the CIBC Run for the Cure?

Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Hey there!  I'm super excited about this Sunday because I'm running the 5k CIBC Run for the Cure!!  This will be my first race ever!!!  I've been slowly training for the run and feel really good about it so I'm pumped to help find a cure for breast cancer!

If you'd like to sponsor my run I'd love for you to visit my online donation page here.  Any donation amount would be so appreciated.

The rebirth of Lilith Fair!!

Fans of Sarah Mclachlan get ready to see a lot more of her in the upcoming year.  With the release of a new album in 2010 and tour to follow. 

But it won't just be any kinda tour, Sarah's bringing back Lilith Fair!!  I'm super excited because I never got the chance to experience the music festival the first time around back in the late 90's.  If you're not familiar with Lilith Fair it was a music festival founded by Sarah which had female artists tour North America. In its 3 years, Lilith Fair raised over $10M for women's charities. 

Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life raises $21,000!!!

A "BIG" thank you to everyone who participated in the 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life this past Sunday it was a huge success we raised $21,000! 

Our journey took us from Christ Church Cathedral on James Street North, to King Street and then along Dundurn to Dundurn Park where we celebrated with a victory barbeque!  It was my pleasure being this years Honorary Chairperson, I had a blast and met some awesome people. 

The AIDS network operates as a non-profit organization, so as you can imagine $21,000 means A LOT.   The staff is committed to improving the quality of life for all those affected by HIV/AIDS and serves a rather large area which include Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant communities. 

This organization does so much to help those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS like:
  • One-Pot Frozen Meals- volunteers cook home cooked classics like lasagna, chili, Shepherd's Pie, BBQ Chicken and delicious cookies for those in need nurishment
  • Complementary Therapies for people living with HIV/AIDS in an effort to maintain optimum health

  • Come see me this weekend, Lime Ride & the AIDS Walk for Life!

    It's the first weekend of fall and it'll be a busy one for me!

    Join me Saturday at Lime Ridge for the Red Carpet Experience.   This is your chance to win great prizes and get treated like a red carpet celeb!!  If you're between the ages of 7-18 here's what you do, wear your hottest back to school look to Lime Ridge on September 26th or 27th.  You'll get a mini-makeover with hair and makeup touch-ups, then you strut your stuff on the Red Carpet.


    All participants will receive a Lime Ridge swag bag with cool gifts and discounts!

    Sponsor my walk in the AIDS Walk for Life

    Time is running out for you to join me in the AIDS Walk for Life this Sunday September 27th! If you're not able to walk with me I'd love for you to sponsor me in my walk click here.

    AIDS Walk for Life To join the Hamilton Walk for Life on Sunday September 27th click here.

    Sponsor my walk in the AIDS Walk for Life

    Time is running out for you to join me in the AIDS Walk for Life this Sunday September 27th! If you're not able to walk with me I'd love for you to sponsor me in my walk click here.

    AIDS Walk for Life To join the Hamilton Walk for Life on Sunday September 27th click here.

    Walk with AIKO in Hamilton's AIDS WALK FOR LIFE!

    The Scotiabank 2009 AIDS Walk for Life is coming up on Sunday September 27th and I'd love it if you could support me with an online donation or walk with me.  I'm very honored to be this years Honorary Chairperson for Hamilton's AIDS Walk for Life. 

    After reading facts like everyday in Canada 11 people are newly infected with the HIV virus AND women are the fastest growing group of people becoming infected I knew that I needed to get involved.  With my involvment in the walk I want to be able to create an awarness that EDUCATION and PREVENTION are the only defence against this disease. 

    How many calories did you eat for lunch?

    French Fries Most of the time if I'm out for lunch with the girls I try and be mindful of what I'm ordering and ask myself questions like "is this healthy? is this grilled or fried? is there a healthier option?" But other times I just let myself have the "fries or the bread or the pasta" because otherwise I'll just be miserable! That being said I make sure I don't go out for lunch a lot, maybe in a month I eat out once, all things in moderation.

     

    Catch "Aiko" live on location this weekend!

    Hey guys!  I'd love for you to come by and see me this weekend live on remote both Saturday and Sunday. 

    Saturday September 12th: Come by and get a free coupon for a Wendy's Frosty! I'll be at Bell World in Lime Ridge Mall from 1pm - 5pm (2nd level above the food court).  Get a $50 bill credit when you sign up for Bell Internet from just $19.95 a month for 8 months in a Bell Bundle.  Bell internet makes having a laptop better! 


    Sunday September 13th: Yayy McDonald's!  Come see me at the Grand re-opening of McDonald's restaurant at Rymal Rd and Upper James.  This newly reno'd location is awesome! It features the new PlayPlace with basketball, slides, mini trampoline and party room.  Also the lobby has FLAT SCREEN TV's a two sided fireplace, artwork and comfy chairs!!  LOL..I'm moving in!  Bring the whole family, there'll be kids crafts, food specials, face painting, magic and visits from the McDonaldland characters from 10:30 - 1:30pm ... including a visit from the man himself "Ronald McDonald"!! 

    See ya this weekend!!!!

    Are you a Michael Buble fan?

    Michael Buble celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday which many consider a very lucky day 09.09.09 and I'm sure 10.09.09 will be just as lucky as his new ablum "Crazy Love" hits stores October 9th!

    Fans you don't want to miss out on his Promo Video for his the first single off "Crazy Love.  Click here to watch the promo for "Haven't Met you Yet"

    Are you a Michael Buble fan?

    Michael Buble celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday which many consider a very lucky day 09.09.09 and I'm sure 10.09.09 will be just as lucky as his new ablum "Crazy Love" hits stores October 9th!

    Fans you don't want to miss out on his Promo Video for his the first single off "Crazy Love.  Click here to watch the promo for "Haven't Met you Yet"

    Walk with AIKO in Hamilton's AIDS WALK FOR LIFE!

    The Scotiabank 2009 AIDS Walk for Life is coming up on Sunday September 27th and I'd love it if you could support me with an online donation or walk with me.  I'm very honored to be this years Honorary Chairperson for Hamilton's AIDS Walk for Life. 

    After reading facts like everyday in Canada 11 people are newly infected with the HIV virus AND women are the fastest growing group of people becoming infected I knew that I needed to get involved.  With my involvment in the walk I want to be able to create an awarness that EDUCATION and PREVENTION are the only defence against this disease. 

    New hope for an AIDS vaccine

    (please note there may be some mature subject matter that I discuss on my blog below)


    I read this great article on CTV.ca today regarding new hope for an AIDS vaccine, please read here.  

     

    It's great to see that new discoveries are being made toward the goal of an effective AIDS vaccine. 


    The reality is everyday in Canada 11 people are newly infected with HIV and more than 62,000 Canadians are HIV positive.  One scary fact I read was that "women are one of the fastest growing groups of people becoming infected"

    New hope for an AIDS vaccine

    (please note there may be some mature subject matter that I discuss on my blog below)


    I read this great article on CTV.ca today regarding new hope for an AIDS vaccine, please read here.  

     

    It's great to see that new discoveries are being made toward the goal of an effective AIDS vaccine. 


    The reality is everyday in Canada 11 people are newly infected with HIV and more than 62,000 Canadians are HIV positive.  One scary fact I read was that "women are one of the fastest growing groups of people becoming infected"

    AIDS Walk for Life!

    AIDS Walk for Life I am so pleased and honoured to be this year's Honourary Chairperson of the 2009 SCOTIA BANK AIDS WALK FOR LIFE!

    I invite all of you to walk with me on Sunday September 27th, we walk to live!  The 19th annual WALK FOR LIFE starts at Christ's Church Cathedral in Hamilton.  Registration's at 12 noon and the walk starts at 1:00 p.m.  The walk route: South on James Street to Gore Park to the Scotia Bank at Gore Park, then west on King Street to Dundurn, then north along Dundurn to Dundurn Park where there will be an afternoon of entertainment, refreshments (free for walkers and volunteers) and kids games and fun.

    SCTV Gerry Todd !!!

    I just found it on YouTube.

    I was just saying on air I remembered Rick Moranis doing a parody of the video for Christopher Cross' Ride Like the Wind.  Here's the link.  TOO FUNNY!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDojwQ8cJC4

    Casino Days at E.H.R!!

    Come see me on location tomorrow 1pm - 5pm at East Hamilton Radio, corner of Barton & Kenilworth!!  It's Casino Days so the more you spend the more you save!!!  See ya there!

    Wanna buy me a big screen TV? No? Come on!!  Please .... = )

    CIBC Run for the Cure ... run with ME!!

    Hey wanna join TEAM 102.9 K-Litefm in this years CIBC Run for the Cure? Come on join me on Sunday October 4th we can run or walk and have fun for a great cause. Let's help create a future without breast cancer. 

     

    Register yourself here then once you've registered join team "102.K-Litefm".   



    Each person will be responsible to raise $150 (HOPEFULLY MORE). If you do not raise at least $150 you will be responsible to pay the $40 registration fee prior to the race.

    Salvation Army Food Drive

    If you're downtown this Thursday & Friday (Aug 27-28), head to Jackson Square - buildings 100, 110 & 120 King Street West.  The offices are getting together to put on one massive food drive for the Salvation Army who are in dire need to fill their shelves with food!  They're faced with a 30% increase in usage from this time last year and a 300% decrease in food donations.

    Help out your community and drop off your non perishable food donations in the lobby of 100, 110 & 120 King Street West 7am - 6pm. 

    Find me on Twitter!

    Hey!  I'm on twitter all afternoon between 2pm - 7pm so why don't you join me?!!

    Find me at: Aiko_Iwashita

    http://twitter.com/Aiko_Iwashita

    Classic Cafe ... you could win!

    Listen for your NAME IT AND CLAIM IT trivia question today during the noon hour and you could win a $25 VICAR'S VICE gift certificate AND a Toopy & Binoo prize package courtesy of Simcoe Town Centre where you can see Toopy & Binoo of Treehouse live on August 29th.

    Here's a hint to today's trivia question: "Crack is Wack"!!

    Listen for your cue to call and when you hear it, I'll take caller 6 at 645-LITE (5483).

    GOOD LUCK = )
    Aiko.

    Follow me and I'll follow you!

    Are you a twitterer?  Great if you are, follow me on twitter at Aiko_Iwashita and I'll make sure to follow you too!!

    30% 40% 50% 60% ....

    It's been nothing but reporting on the "chance" of showers and thunderstorms this summer!!  It seems like we haven't had a solid full week of really nice hot weather ... but that "may" change.  After we get through tonight's 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms we have a solid 5 days of gorgeous weather ahead of us!!  I just hope you like the heat...we're heading for highs of 28 - 30 degrees C.  I love it so I'm really looking forward to the weather.  It makes me smile = )

    Last weekend was a wash out and this weekend is our redemption, your Matt Hayes Forecast is calling for lots of sunshine and highs of 29, 30 degrees, LUV IT!!  I'll be heading out to my friends little guys

    I'm back!

    So how was your week last week? Mine was great and thanks so much to Mike Wyman who filled in for me.  It was also great because the weather was actually really nice with the exception of course of this past weekend..wow did you catch Mother Nature's light show last night!!  It's always great when you feel refreshed from a weeks holidays when you come back to work isn't it! 

    So I'm refreshed and ready to get back into my ROUTINE since somewhere through this summer I lost it!!  Bad right?  But not totally because I'm back on track...lol...sounds familiar?  We all do it, so as long as you're able to pick yourself up and leave the bad habits behind we'll be back into the healthy routine in no time!!  I'm going back to my Lean and Fit class tonight and I must admit I'm a bit scared, it's been almost 2 weeks since I've been, yikes!!  Oh well no pain no gain!! 

    Wish me luck!!!  LOL!!  Stay cool!

    CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S ALEGRIA!!


    Do you love music, dance, excitement and entertainment? Then do yourself a favour and don't miss Cirque du Soleil's Alegria at Copps Coliseum!
     
    I went to opening night last night and I have to tell you it was truly an awesome experience.  I can't tell you how many times I gasped, OMG, Woo Hoo'd and said Wow!!  The mystical production of Alegría tells the story about jubilation, power and the handing down of power over time.  All the characters and acts, the live band which are in full costume as they are a part of the story and the live vocalists are so talented.  This performance is 100% LIVE no pre taped, pre-produced material nothing, which is what makes everything so real and exciting!

    Flood damage causes temporary closure of Lean and Fit

    I am totally bumbed out!  Really I have no reason to complain, especially since there are so many of you who are dealing with massive flood damage from Sunday's sudden storm.  But for all of you who are members of John Savidis Lean and Fit, please read below.


    Dear Members:

    All Lean and Fit, Weight Training Classes, Kickboxing classes, and Personal Training will be cancelled until Tuesday August 4th/09 due to extensive flooding caused by the rainstorms.

    We apologize for the inconvenience, but this decision is being made with the best interests of our clients in mind.

    No Lean and Fit today or tomorrow

    Heads up John Savidis' Lean and Fit will be closed due to flooding today Monday July 27and Tuesday July 28th.  All lean and fit, kickbox, personal training and weight training classes have been cancelled. 

    Hope from hope Food Drive

    The demand at local food banks is at an all time high.   This is your chance to take part in the Hope from Hope Food Drive.  You can support those in need by donating non perishable food items on or before this Sunday July 26th. 


    Here's a list of donation locations:

    Hope from Hope 138 Hope Avenue Mon-Sun 9a.m.-7p.m.

    Mission Services of Hamilton 50 Murray St. W. Mon-Fri 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m.
    Habitat For Humanity 285 Nash Rd. Mon-Fri 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m.

    City Kidz 209 Gage Ave. Mon-Fri 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

    Life Mark Physiotherapy 1440 Main St. E. Mon-Thur 8:00a.m.-6:30p.m.
    Fri 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

    Teamsters Local 879 460 Parkdale Ave. N.Mon-Thur 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Fri 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

    N Dulgence Salon and Spa 204 Kenilworth Ave. N. Mon-Fri 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m.
    Sat 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

    Wayne Marston's Office 40 Centennial Pkwy. N. Mon-Thur
    9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club 45 Ellis Ave.
    Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    West Hamilton Denture Clinic 17 Paradise Rd. S.
    Tue-Thur 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Check back often for new drop off locations in your area

    For information or to register your street contact Michelle Mack
    at Mission Services of Hamilton 905-528-4212 ext 116

    CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE!!

    You're invited to join TEAM 102.9 K-Litefm in this years CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday October 4th. Run, walk and have fun for a great cause. Let's help create a future without breast cancer.

     

    Click here to register yourself. Once you've registered join team "102.K-Litefm".

     

    Each person will be responsible to raise $150 per person (HOPEFULLY MORE). If you do not raise at least $150 you will be responsible to pay the $40 registration fee prior to the race.

    Will August be any better?

    Some one said to me the other day "oh well I hear since we had such a bad June and July, August is supposed to be much better" Umm could we get any worse???  Come on!!  So I replied with "Well I'll believe it when I see it .. "it" being consistant summer like weather.

    Well I thought I'd seek the help of the farmers almanac ... and I'm not so sure I should have ... it's kind of depressing ... here's what they're calling for the rest of July & August:
     

    July 2009

    20th-23rd Heat increases, with a risk of a stray thunderstorm.  24th-27th Hot temperatures, frequent thunderstorms, some, especially for central and western Ontario, are capable of large hail.  28th-31st Showers and thunderstorms over Great Lakes east. 

    I'm excited for Whitney's come back!

    Whitney's Come back Her new album "I look to you" hits stores this fall and I can't wait!  I've always been a fan of Whitney's.  I remember in high school I'd sing her songs over and over and over again.  What's my favourite?  Hmmm maybe "I'm your baby tonight" ... it's fun to sing along too!!  I'm crossing my fingers for a healthier stronger Whitney!!!

    NY Bagels, NY Cheesecake, NY Timmies?

    With more than 500 U.S Tim Horton's stores, it's the first time the people of the BIG APPLE can order a "double double".  Nine of the 10 Manhattan Tim Hortons stores opened today and another 2 in Brooklyn. 

    My first trip to Manhattan was in my OAC year in high school and it was then that I realized that us Canadians were different.  At the local corner bakery by the Letterman theatre I ordered my coffee "double double", the lady looked at me strange and handed me a black coffee.  I had no idea "double double" was a Canadian thing!  So do you think Americans will start ordering their coffees double double?  A New York Daily News reporter asked people outside Penn Station will they be partaking in the double double anytime soon ...  one guy 32 yrs old responded "it's not American, I can't do it" ...

    Harry Potter midnight screenings....

    Fans of Harry Potter get ready for the much anticipated opening of the 6th installment in the series: Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.   Right at 12:01am Wednesday July 15, fans will be lined up at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across the country.   For advanced tickets and info go to the Cineplex website

    ABOUT HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

     

    Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

    Michael Jackson


    No matter if you were a fan or not, the passing of Michael Jackson is and will be a historical moment in music / pop culture history.  This man was not only a musician but a humanitarian and deserves the respect that he is being shown. 

    As I sit in the studio this afternoon, I'm overwhelmed watching Michael's memorial service on CNN.  Brooke Shields blew me away with her stories and memories of her dear friend in which she met when she was 13.  Her and Michael's relationship was a true friendship that lasted until his passing. She spoke with such heartfelt emotion almost reliving the stories which she spoke of.  What can I say ... my eyes were filled with tears.  The tears continued when his brother Jermaine sang "Smile" ... wow ... speechless and crying at the same time. 

    Getting through a funk ...

    It's been just over a year now since I've joined John Savidis and since last June I've been going to my lean and fit classes and my interval classes regularly.  My motivation never seemed to be an issue.  I was always quite excited to go to my classes and I never really gave it a second thought, going to classes was like second nature, it was part of my daily routine and the best part of it was I loved going!! 

    Well they say routines are meant to be broken right?  Don't get me wrong I've taken a week off here and there and have missed a class or two due to things that have just come up.   BUT I've never missed 2 weeks and never felt like not going ... until mid June.  I went through what I call my first FUNK.  FUNK = no energy, lack of motivation, tired.  You know what I'm talking about right? 

    Ok so where am I now with this whole FUNK, I'm back to my routine!  As much as routines are meant to be broken, they are also meant to be mended.  I gave myself that time during the 2 weeks to relax, I must admit I had been deprived of some sleep and needed a break, so I took it and now I'm back on track!!  So if you find yourself in the same situation, take the break you deserve it, just remember a break is just a break, it's not forever, so make sure you get back to your routine. 

    Believe me you'll feel so much better after realizing you can fall off the trail but the trail will always be there for when you come back.  Enjoy your summer!

    Fans of U2!

    If you're a fan of U2 then I'm sure you're just dying for September to hurry up and get here!!  Now if you don't mind a bit of a spoiler I've found a possible set list of what you could here when they come to the Rogers Centre Sept 16th and 17th courtesy of a U2 fan site.  According to U2gigs.com here's what the band played:

     

    "Breathe"

    "No Line On The Horizon"

    "Get On Your Boots"

    "Magnificent"

    "Beautiful Day"

    Hamilton's First GREEN GYM!

    Hamilton's first green gym opens tomorrow at Woodlands Park at the corner of Barton and Wentworth.  Bring the family and enjoy the outdoor gym.  Here are the details:
    WHEN:           Tuesday, June 30th

                            11am - official greetings and unveiling of Hamilton's first GreenGym

                            4pm - 10pm - live bands, entertainment and food

    Be GREEN and save MONEY!!!

    For 1 day only the City of Hamilton Water and Wastewater division will be holding a RAIN BARREL SALE.  Hamilton residents must bring a copy of their waterbill to confirm residency. 


    There's a limited quanity of 1200 rain barrels and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Rain barrels cost $55 but the City is providing a $20 instant rebate to residents who agree to participate in a customer satisfaction survey this fall; reduced rate is $35 (accepting cash only). 

    The rain barrel model being sold is the RAINCATCHER 4000 MODEL 54 GALLON/205 LITRES. 

    SALE: Saturday June 20th, 8am
    AT: City of Hamilton Public Works Operations Centre, 330 Wentworth ST. N.

    TIP .... the City does this every year from what I can recall and the barrels ALWAYS GO VERY FAST!!  So get there early!

    It's my birthday!

    Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday tooo meeeeeeee, Happy Birthday to me and many moooorrrrreeeeee.....** jazz hands**!!!!!

    Despite the gloomy weather I'm having an awesome day!!! 

    To all who maybe celebrating a birthday today too ... Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Win on the K-Lite Classic Cafe with me Aiko!

    Hey it's Aiko in for Peter Jaycock today...Mike Wyman will be in for me this afternoon.

    Excited to play the K-Lite Classic Cafe today during the noon hour...listen for your chance to win a Family Pass for 2 adults, 2 kids to African Lion Safari, now celebrating 40 WILD YEARS!!!!  PLUS a $100 dinning voucher from The Lord Byron Steak & Seafood House in Waterdown...YUMMY!!!

    Email me anytime at aiko@k-litefm.com!

    Have an AWESOME DAY!!!!!!

    My FAV ice cream place is coming to town!!!!!

    I SCREAM, You SCREAM we all SCREAM for ICE CREAM!!!  WoooHooo!!

    I'm so excited my favourite ice cream joint is finally opening up locations in Ontario!!!  Tim Hortons has co-branded 6 stores in Ontario with COLD STONE CREAMERY!! 

    "What's so special about this Cold Stone Creamery Place?" you may ask ... well let me tell you!!!!!  First off you get to choose what type of ice cream you want ... SO many flavours to choose from BTW ... then they take the ice cream put it on a frozen slab of marble table and then the FUN part ... you get to choose what kind of stuff you want inside your ice cream for example: snickers, reese peanut butter cup, oreo cookies, fudge, caramel, sprinkles, almonds, again SO much to choose from....then they mash it all together and put it in a cup, a cone, a waffle cone / bowl, chocolate dipped or not, however you want it they'll do it!  Now if you don't want to go through all that, they also have amazing combinations already created for you with cool names....my FAVs are Cookie Mintster (Mint ice cream, oreo cookies and fudge) and Cheesecake fantasy (cheesecake ice cream with graham crackers, strawberries & blueberries) ... my mouth is watering as we speak!!

    Bring the NHL to Hamilton Rally

    You a hockey fan?  Do you support the idea of a NHL team here in Hamilton?  Well you may want to get the afternoon off next Friday June 19th!  Join the Bring the NHL to Hamilton rally at noon on the Jackson Square rooftop, this rally will be held in conjuction with Make It Seven Day across Canada. 

    Show your support and sign up online at www.makeitseven.ca

    If you're a business owner, small, medium or large, Mayor Fred is giving you to opportunity to sponsor the rally on Friday.  For more information call the Mayor's office at (905) 546-2074.

    Take care of your skin this summer!

    This summer aside from lookin' hot in your new outfit make sure you're taking the time to care for your skin.  I've recently been looking for a new face moisturizer with SPF protection, but haven't found anything that I like....any suggestions? Email me at aiko@k-litefm.com I'd love to hear them!!

    According to Prevention magazine we maybe using a little too much or little of our fav creams:

    Facial Sunscreen
    The right amount: A teaspoon
    Why: This ensures the promised SPF protection.

    Retinoid Cream

    Where's the heat??

    Ok so officially summer doesn't arrive for another couple of weeks BUT normal tempuratures for this time of year sit at 24 degrees which we haven't seen alot of.  Today we're expecting a high of 21 ... right now it's just after 2pm and it's only 20 degrees.  So we're not thaaat far off the normal temps but the fact that it takes all morning and most of the afternoon to barely reach the days high is painful!!!  I want summer to arrive now!!

    The countdown to summer June 21st is on, 11 days and counting!  So what do you think the weather will be like, hotter / colder than normal, lots of rain / not enough rain?  According to the Farmers Almanac summer 09 is all over the place, here read it for your self:

    Ontario

    June 2009
    1st-3rd Clear and cool for the Great Lakes.  4th-7th Continued cool for the Great Lakes.  8th-11th Clear and cool air departs the Great Lakes, followed by increasing heat and humidity.  12th-15th Muggy, with perhaps a shower or thunderstorm.  16th-19th Considerable cloudiness.  20th-23rd Intervals of clouds and sun.  24th-27th Showers and thunderstorms for the Great Lakes east.  28th-30th Very warm and humid, with thunderstorms spreading in from the west.  

    Lots happening this weekend in town!

    Good luck to all who are participating in tonights Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life in Flamborough.  Walking for 12 inspirational hours overnight for a great cause!!


    The 12th Annual Downtown Dundas Buskerfest starts today and runs through Sunday (June 5th,6th,7th).  FREE admission and FREE parking BONUS!!  Catch world class performers & buskers plus visit the one of a kind artisans at the Buskerfest Bazaar.  People of all ages head to downtown Dundas this weekend!


    Help send a kid to camp!  Tija Paint Your Own Ceramic Studio in Burlington is raising funds to send kids to camp from the REACH OUT CENTRE FOR KIDS.  Stop by the studio at 4033 New St between 11-3pm on Sat June 6th and be the first 20 people there to get a free ceramic mug painting.  Entertainment and prizes to be won!


    The 28th annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek happens this Sat & Sun June 6-7.  The event takes place between 10am - 10pm on Saturday and 10am - 4:30pm on Sunday.  Re-enactments take place Sat at 3:30pm & 8:30pm with fireworks to follow the evening battle.  Sunday catch the battle at 2pm.  $8 for adults, $2 for youth and FREE for kids 5 yrs old and under. 

    Waterfall Walk at Battlefield Park.  While you're down at the Battle of Stoney Creek why not take part in the Waterfall Walk with Chris Ecklund, author of Hamilton - The City of Waterfalls.  The walk starts at noon and goes til 10pm.  Visit their website for more details.

    Did you know that Hamilton has 125 waterfalls??!!

    Thanks to Chris Ecklund author of the book HAMILTON THE CITY OF WATERFALLS for personally autographing a copy of his book for me!!  I met him at the Tim Horton's on Golf Links Rd yesterday for Camp Day.  It's crazy to think that this city has 125 waterfalls..isn't that cool!!

    If you're interested in going on a waterfall walk you're in luck there's one happening this Saturday June 6th at Battlefield Park.  It starts at noon and goes until 10 in the evening.  Check the City of Waterfalls website for more details. 

    Tim's Camp Day & Food Banks

    TIM HORTONS CAMP DAY

    Ihope you can join us tomorrow as we broadcast live on location at the Tim Horton's location on Golf Links Rd in the Meadowlands.  Sunni & Hayes, Peter Jaycock and I will be broadcasting our shows on location for CAMP DAY!!  This is the one day in the year in which Tim Hortons across Canada and the US donate every single penny to their Camp Day Foundation.  Last year they raised over $9 MILLION, I hope we can break that number into the tens of millions raised for 2009!  See ya there 2pm - 7pm.


    HAMILTON FOOD BANKS

    I read in the Spec today that "Food bank use in Hamilton is up 26.4 per cent from a year ago" "Food Banks Canada reports 20 per cent more Canadians are using food banks, with some areas of the country suffering more than others."  It's scary to think that the need will continue to grow in this recession and with the news of continued layoffs you never know who will need to use a food bank ... they are people like you and I.  The need is so great that for the first time in 20 years the Dundas Salvation Army Food Bank is holding an emergency food drive on Saturday. If you can't get out this Saturday make a donation or drop off non perishable food donations at Hamilton Food Share in Stoney Creek.

    I'm a proud MAMA of baby BIRDS!!

    Check a few blogs back regarding my story on the birds nest in my bbq!!

    Ok so the eggs actually hatched!!!  Yayyy!!!!   As far as I can see ... I think 5 or 6 baby black birds are the nest.  I don't have much time to admire the cute little things as the real mama and daddy black birds only go out for short amounts of time.  They're in and out of the bbq (where they've built the Taj Mahal of birds nests!) getting food for the little ones.  Anyway needless to say I won't be bbq'ing for the next little while!  Here are a couple of pics I took this morning!!

    Be GREEN Eat CLEAN

    More so than ever I've become more conscience of what I eat.  I had always heard of people eating "clean" and never really understood what that meant.  Well it's easy; to eat clean is to eat foods in their natural state and nothing processed.  Also avoiding Trans fats, sodium, refined sugar, etc.  It's actually not as hard as you might think...I know because I now try to eat as clean as I can.  Daily I eat egg white omelets, weight watchers bread and a lot of awesome chicken salads with chicken breast and lots of fresh veggies, I also try and drink a lot of water. 

    I thought I'd include some helpful ways to try and eat more local foods for you to try out.  So here there are. 

    Where I'm at this weekend!

    I've got a busy weekend planned, a remote, a bounty hunter, gardening and fundraising! 

    Catch me at on remote Saturday May 30 from 9am - 1pm at Affordable Home Spas at 1360 Rymal Road East.  In the market for a spa .. now's the time to buy!!

    Then in the evening I'm headed to Hamilton Place to see DOG Duane Chapman!!!  Yup Dog from A&E's The Bounty Hunter show.  I've been a huge fan of the show for years and can't wait to see him in person!!

    Sunday morning I'm planning to plant some flowers.  What kind of flowers ?? Yeah I don't know yet and won't until I get to a nursery and just start picking some out.  I usually like to go for vibrant colours. 

    Picture my Pet Contest

    Check out our Picture my Pet contest pictures featured at www.k-Litefm.com.  They are too cute!! 

    Here's a pic of me and my Olivia.  Her full name is Olivia Chow ... LOL ... she's a Chow Chow get it ... LOL  ... we couldn't resist with the name!!

    Olivia is 7 months old here.  Most likely 40 pounds and still growing!!  I'm smiling here...but believe me when I say she is crushing me!!!  LOL!

    Is it the weekend yet?

    It's Tuesday and I'm dreaming of the weekend already...that's never good!  LOL!!

    So I watched half of TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8 last night...I'll watch the rest tonight.  I'm just so sad for their family, you know that saying "Be careful of what you wish for", I think it's ringing true for Jon and Kate.  Some people wish for fame and fortune and not realize the price they pay.  I hope everything works out for their family. 

    Anyway keep warm this aft!  Sitting at 10 degrees right now...gotta love Spring

    I live in the Wild Kingdom!

    So a couple of weeks ago we noticed a few twigs on the porch right by our bbq not really thinking much of it until we opened the bbq lid and found a massive birds nest!!  I mean this mama and daddy bird have been really working hard they had the whole rack of the bbq made into a birds nest, inside there were 6 eggs.  Ever since we've left the birds alone and of course needless to say have not been bbq'ing yet this summer! 

    Well the other day I was really curious and thought as long as I don't touch the eggs I'm sure it'd be ok if I lift the lid to look inside.  So slowly I lifted the lid and had to lift it quite high as the birds really have made this gigantic nest that's so high, so anyway as I lifted the lid the mama bird comes flying out scaring me half to death...I drop the lid back down...scream and run back inside!  So yesterday we waited until the mama bird flew out of the bbq and then took a look.   What was inside ..... 6 eggs ... just the eggs!!  What does this mean??  Will these eggs hatch?  I hope so I was really hoping to find little baby birds inside.  Oh well I guess we'll have a wait a while longer.  I keep going up to the bbq to try and listen for some sqwaking and chirpping but as of now...just silence.  I feel so bad for these birds because they've made such an amazing nest!!

    Tweet Tweet Tweet

    Are you twittering??  Follow me....find me by name Aiko Iwashita!! 

    Idol Talk!

    I have to say this ...

    I told you so!!!!!  LOL!!! 

    KRIS ALLEN won last night on the finale of American Idol.  With what seemed like everyone saying that Adam was going to win, I called it, I said Kris would win and he did!!  Kind of anti climactic at the end though don't you think?  Kris didn't believe that he had won and his reaction pretty much let out all the excitement out of the balloon ... the ending just kind of fizzled at the end.  Oh well no big deal anyway who actually "WON", you know that Adam will have a great career, maybe even a bigger career than Kris.  I hope they both release better songs than the winner song "No Boundaries".  Yikes ... let's just say I am NOT a fan of that song!!


    I have to say my favourite part of the entire show last night was all the performances.  WOW...KISS!!!  Come on ... that's awesome!! Gokey sang Lionel Richie's "Hello"... soooo good!!  Lionel looked great as well.  Ooohh did you see Rod Stewart???  LOL...umm he didn't look so steady on his feet...he almost tripped and then regained his balance while grabbing the mic singing Maggie May.  Fergie looked Fergalicious with the Black Eyed Peas...so many performances....oh of course I loved loved loved Jason Mraz, he sang "I'm Yours" with Anoop and Alexis.  I didn't really get excited for Cyndi Lauper and Allison's "Time After Time" just because we've all seen that performance so many other times before with Cyndi and "insert artist name here". 

    Some funny highlights for me ... Normand Gentle and Tatiana Del Toro winning "Outstanding Female & Male" and the best was the Bikini Girl vs Kara sing off!!!  Kara should be proud of her bikini body!! 

    I can't believe it ... Wait ... yes I can !!

    "Surprise"!! Michael Jackson's comeback has be postponed.  I just read on Perez that the first of the four dates will be rescheduled just a few days later in July but the rest of the dates ... yeah not until next summer July 2010!!  The excuse ... "the challenges" presented by such a large and technically complex concert...this according to the email sent out to all who bought tickets.


    Idol finale tonight!!!!!!!  Adam?  Kris?  I still say Kris...but it seems everyone thinks it'll be Adam.  What did you think of "the" song last night?  This season the winner's song is called "No Boundaries" .. I am not a fan of the song AT ALL ... maybe it'll grow on me??  I am looking forward to the finale tonight!  So many performers, Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Carlos Santana, Queen Latifah, Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, David Cook and JASON MRAZ .. LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM!!  There were rumours of Britney Spears in the finale line up...but her manager "tweeted" yesterday saying she's a no go and she's on vacation.  Catch Idol's finale tonight at 8pm!!

    I'm in reality TV paradise!

    "Outwit Outlast Outplay" After 9 years and 18 seasons I'm still a huge fan of Survivor!!  TJ won Sunday night wrapping up Survivor Tocantins.  For only the 2nd time in Survivor history has  someone won with all 7 votes!  I didn't have TJ or Stephen in my pool but I was so happy that TJ won!  What a genuinely hardworking good guy!  TJ also won the $100 GRAND web poll contest as the most deserving player!!  $$$.  Looking forward to the 19th season ...  Survivor Samoa!!


    DWTS... It's down to Gilles, Shawn and Melissa.  After last nights performance I will say that I think the final 2 will be Melissa and Gilles.  We'll see tonight!!

    FiReWoRkS!!

    Yayy!!!  It's finally that time of year again!!  It's the first of many long weekends to come.  Happy Victoria Day!

    If you're looking for a place to bring the family to watch the fireworks in the city.  There are 2 locations to choose from. The Dundas Driving Park and the Albion Community at 970 Paramount Drive.  Both locations the fireworks will start at dusk with the rain dates on the holiday Monday. 

    Now if you're planning to do your own fireworks display the City of Hamilton wants to remind you of some safety factors. 

    IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS FOR FAMILY FIREWORKS

    HAMILTON, ON - May 14, 2009 - Hamilton Emergency Services along with the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office recommend that citizens attend public firework displays put on by certified technicians that are trained to handle and discharge them safely. For those still choosing to have family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, we urge you to follow these fireworks safety tips to ensure that the risk of fire and burn injuries is minimized and that everyone in attendance enjoys the show safely.

    Valerie Bertinelli vs Marie Osmond

    If you know me, you know that I love reality tv, a big fan of biggest loser!!  Did you catch the finale the other night?  Hope you did cuz "SPOILER ALERT" ... Helen won!  But I'm really not all that with the outcome.  Helen looked terrible on finale night, sick actually.  She had lost so much weight her face looked guant and her body just didn't look right, it was like she had gone through some pretty nasty diet to win the competition...and she did.  I thought both Mike and Tara looked fantastic and "HEALTHY".  Isn't that the point of the show...to lose weight and be healthy??  

    It's 9am and I'm on the air!!

    Good morning!!  I'm in for Peter Jaycock today and Mike Wyman will be in for me this afternoon.  I'm kinda excited to get the afternoon off as we're expecting a high of 17 not too bad!!

    Well I hope you're having a great day so far, at least the sun's shining it always makes the mornings go by smoother doesn't it?!!

    So it's a big night on tv tonight, the results show on Dancing with the Stars, the Biggest Loser and the final 3 perform on American Idol!!  

    Dancing with the Stars last night was good.  Nothing I think really stood out for me.  I mean nothing was really surprising.  I knew that Ty was going to be charming which he needs to rely on because his dancing isn't going to win it for him.  I believe that it'll be the end of the road for him tonight and it'll be Shawn, Melissa and Gilles in the top 3.

    On idol the last 3 standing will travel to their hometowns before performing two songs: one of their choosing, another from the show's judges.  I can't wait to see who wins, I believe the finale is  May 20th.

    And on Biggest Loser...love love love that show.  Tonight's finale is 3 hours long!!  Hello marathon!!!  Quite literally.  Tonight the 4 will have to run a full marathon.  OMG!!!  They've already run a half marathon but tonights challenge of a full marathon will be brutal for them.  It's down to Helen (pink team), Tara (green team) and the only remaining complete team father and son brown team Ron and Mike.   Who do you think will win?  It's hard to kinda guess because really it's up for grabs between Mike, Tara and Helen.  Who do I want to see win...well that would be Tara.  I love her, she is so determined and focused and down right STRONG!!! 

    Alright, I gotta go back to the K-Lite 102 minute music marathon!!  Enjoy your day and I hope you can join me while at work, in the car or at home.  See ya!

    Aiko. 

    We need your help!

    We need your help tomorrow as we try and help our community.  Tomorrow Thursday April 30th we'll be broadcasting live from 6am to 6pm from the atrium of McMaster Children's Hospital for Astral Media's National Day of Caring Radiothon. 

    During radiothon we ask you to donate as much as you can and give towards this world class children's hospital which is right here in our own backyard.  This hospital services the Hamilton, Halton, Niagara area PLUS goes beyond to the west like London, the Dufferin County and Durham region. 


    We never know when someone we love will need the help of this amazing hospital and believe me when I say that this hospital and the staff are amazing!

    Susan Boyle's new look!

    I thought she said she'd never get a makeover?  Well I was wrong.  Susan Boyle the lady we all fell in love with from Britain's Got Talent has a new look.  Here it is:

    Susan Boyle
    I wouldn't even recognize her!!!  She looks sharp doesn't she in her leather jacket, new fluffy hairdo and Burberry scarf!!  I just hope she doesn't change too much.  I think the world fell in love with her because she was the way she was.  Not to say that with her new chic look we won't but ... well I'm just sayin'.

    2 went home on IDOL ... would they have won anyway?

    We said goodbye to Anoop & Lil last night on American Idol after Disco Week.

    After the judges saved Matt (YAY!!) last week the double elimination was necessary.  Some of you may not agree with the judges power to save a contestant this year ... I agreed with you until they used the power to save Matt.  I really like Matt, he's got a great vocal style, he's talented, but needs some more confidence.  Do I think he can win .. well ... no .. but the more weeks he has on the show would increse his self confidence level.  I think he's scared and not performing at his best because of that.   Also I felt fine with Anoop and Lil going home, I love them both, but didn't feel either of them would win the show. 

    So now it's the top 5: Matt, Allison, Kris, Danny and Adam.  Adam ... hmmm .... yes Adam.  Ok I think Adam may win this season of American Idol BUT that doesn't mean he's MY choice.  So who is ... I don't really have won, I like Matt, Danny and Allison .. she's so amazing I wish I had a voice like hers!!

    BTW ... did you catch the show last night?? Did you see K.C of K.C and the Sunshine Band?  Did he not look like Tony Soprano???

    The 3 R's ....

    REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

    I'm the first to admit I should be doing more to conserve water, recycle, etc.  But I am trying...it's difficult to get started so I thought I'd post a few simple things we can all do to try and do better for our planet on this EARTH DAY and BEYOND. 
     

    Buy items with less packaging

    Use refillable or reusable containers

    Use reuseable shopping bags

    Take all of your Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) to a depot

    Try to purchase cleaners that are less harmful to the environment

    Clean Your Drawers with Old Navy

    Donate your families gently used kids and baby clothing to an Old Navy store near you to receive 10% off your purchase!!

    Starting April 26th until May 2nd 2009 Old Navy is holding their "Clean Your Drawers!" event.   All donations of gently used kids and baby clothing will be donated to the Goodwill and in exchange Old Navy will give you 10% off of your purchase that day.

    This is being done in an attempt to give to charities and people that need it most along with Old Navy's attempts to "go green" and not have these clothes go to landfills, but be recycled and reused by others.

    Just remember we need this rain...

    Even though the rain causes slow downs on the way into and from work, soakers in shoes, wet pant bottoms, flat hair and frowns on our faces ... just remember ... or try to anyway ... we need this rain for our crops to grow, for the leaves to bloom, to fill our lakes and rivers. 

    Speaking of water ... I was at the Canadian Tire Burlington Mall location this past Saturday for Burlington Mall's ecoHero event.  I learned that just by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth you can save 7 liters of water.  Click here to learn more about how you can conserve water at home with your family!

    Dancing with the Stars .... Another INJURY!!

    He may be tough but he's still got a black eye!!  Professional Bull Rider Ty Murray got smacked in the eye with partner Chelsie Hightower's microphone pack earlier this week during rehearsal.  A bit of blood was drawn and now he's got a black eye, but he can still dance!!  He says, quote, "It's not a big deal to me because in bull riding you see that from time to time, but I guess people aren't used to seeing a little blood in the ballroom."

    So the injuries seem to continue on Dancing with the Stars!!  Ty's injury is just the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued celebrities on this season's Dancing with the Stars. Murray's wife JEWEL and TV host NANCY O'DELL were forced to drop out before the premiere because of leg injuries. STEVE WOZNIAK suffered a fractured foot and pulled hamstring muscle, and STEVE-O strugged with back pain. Frontrunner GILLES MARINI has been dancing each week with a separate shoulder.

    Heads up ladies!!

    Make sure you get your pedicures done...we're going up to a high of 18 degrees on Friday!!!!!  Woooo Hoooo!!!!!!

    Are you sure your child's car seat is installed properly??

    If you have any questions or concerns on how to install a car seat go to the City of Hamilton's Car Seat Inspection Clinic.  On Monday April 20th, speak to certified Children's Restraint Systems Technicians.  Call the City of Hamilton Health Connections line to book your appointment at 905 546-3550. 

    Did you know that Transport Canada research shows that 70% of car seats are not used or installed correctly AND stats from the car seat inspection clinics indicate that rate is closer to 90% ( this number includes car seats that are deemed no longer safe by Transport Canada)

    Lionel Richie collects pants ??

    This story will sound familiar to many of us ...

    Lionel Richie is upset he can no longer fit into his favourite leather trousers, but refuses to throw away his collection.  Lionel Richie collects leather trousers.

    The 59-year-old singer has a penchant for the tight animal-skin legwear and admits his greatest disappointment is that he can no longer fit into many of the pairs he owns.

    He said: "I was a leather trousers collector for years. If I was 25 again, I'd be wearing them, but I'd probably get arrested right outside my hotel. Any anyway, I would probably only be able to get one leg into them now!"

    Clean Up Hamilton

    Hamilton's Clean City Committee invites you to join in and CLEAN UP HAMILTON!

    Gather a group of friends and organize a clean up of visible litter in your neighbourhood.  To register go to www.hamilton.ca/clean&green or call 905 546-CITY (2489) between 8:30am - 4:30pm. 

    A limited supply of special garbage bags, recycling bags and work gloves for participants are available so make sure you register by April 14th at 4pm.

    Another injury on DWTS...sort of...

    We've known for a while now that Gilles Marini had been injured with a seperated shoulder but with him and his partner Cheryl Burke doing so well who knew he was still suffering!!!

    Well Gilles is hurting!!!  The hot actor and amazing dancer scored a perfect score last week and a 29 this week but that doesn't mean he's ok.  He told OK! magazine he's going to need surgery. 

    He suffered a separated shoulder at the beginning of the competition and received cortisone shots. Backstage after this past Monday night's show, he told the magazine his shoulder is killing him and he'll need surgery after the show ends, quote, "We never talked about it on the show...I hurt so bad -- my shoulder -- that I need surgery." Marini added, quote, "My best friend is Advil."

    $50,000 donated to City Kidz!!

    What a great way to kick off the 2009 City Kidz fundraising campaign than with a generous donation of $50,000 from the Teresa Cascioli Charitable Foundation.  

    Consider this, City Kidz is a not for profit organization which helps 1,800 children weekly within our own community in Hamilton.  This organization helps these less fortunate kids build self confidence, they help to inspire them to dream big, to teach them how to make the right choices in life and so much more.  Also consider that this organization depends on us the community to continue to help the kids.  And this is where people like you and I can help. Not all of us can donate $50,000 but a donation of any amount is helpful. 

    I'm back on track!

    I'd been suffering from a cold for almost 2 weeks and for the most part had fallen out of my daily routines.  I mean I still came to work and did my 2 - 7pm on air show, which most of you probably didn't even realize that I was sick...I'm a brilliant actress!!!  I tried to do the escarpment stairs a few times but it was brutally hard with a terrible sinus cold.  I also hadn't gone to my John Savidis classes in just under 2 weeks!!! 

    Well I got back on track finally!  Went to my first lean and fit class last night and it was AWESOME!!!  HARD, VERY VERY HARD...but I loved it.  If you work out and by the end you're not sweating ... hate to tell you this ... but you're not working out nearly as hard as you need to!!  That's one of the many things I love about the classes at Savidis..I literally look like I just stepped in the shower!  It's so refreshing to sweat it out, especially after a cold!!

    Now that the warmer weather is sort of here...it's currently 14 degrees!!!  YAYYYY!!!!!!   huh...what was I saying...oh yeah now that the warmer weather is sorta here and it's getting closer to summer I'm really going to pick up my pace.  I'm going to rev up my exercise and start paying more attention to my diet.  I mean I eat pretty well most of the time anyway with plently of veggies and fruit and protein...but I really want to pay closer attention to what and HOW MUCH food I'm putting in my mouth!!

    So cheers to warmer weather and a healthier cleaner lifestyle!!!

    If at anytime you want to reach me...email me at
    aiko@k-litefm.com. I'd love to hear from you!!

    "Top Downloads" week on Idol

    Thousands of songs to choose from and that's what they sang last night on American Idol!!! ??? !!!! I don't get it, don't these guys have anyone helping them out with song choice? 

    Anyway so here's the list of what the Top 9 sang:

    Allison: "Don't Speak" by No Doubt
    Danny:"What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts
    Anoop: "Caught Up" by Usher
    Scott: 'Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
    Lil: "Surrender" by Celine Dion song
    Adam: "Play that Funky Music" by Wild Cherry

    Kristie Yamaguchi's insight into DWTS injuries ...

    For a few weeks now I've been blogging about the so called curse of Dancing with the Stars.  Now former contestant and champ Kristi Yamaguchi talks.  She told People Magazine, quote, "The injuries aren't surprising. People don't know how physical it gets. I think that's one reason why athletes do well -- they know how to listen to their bodies." HOLLY MADISON, STEVE WOZNIAK, STEVE-O and GILLES MARINI have all battled various ailments this season, while JEWEL and NANCY O'DELL had to bow out of the competition before it even started because of injuries.

    As for who she thinks will join her in the pantheon of Dancing with the Stars winners this season, Yamaguchi says MELISSA RYCROFT, GILLES MARINI and SHAWN JOHNSON are the ones to beat, while LIL' KIM and CHUCK WICKS are her dark horse picks.

    Come on, are you serious another injury on Dancing with the Stars???!!

    Ok seriously this is getting ridiculous!  The latest victim of the so called Dancing with the Stars curse is Holly Madison, Hef's ex-girlfriend and now Girls Next Door star.  Holly's suffering from a possible cracked rib.  Her rep says that Holly injured herself

    last week, but worked through the pain. Then she hurt herself even more while practicing the tango for next week's show.

    I just blogged yesterday on the amount of injuries that plague the show and then the more serious situation with contestant Shawn Johnson.  Police issued a restraining order against a 34-year-old man who tried to get onto the set to meet the Olympian.  The scary part was what he had in his "materials classically used for kidnapping," including a loaded .45-caliber handgun, a loaded shotgun, duct tape, plastic zip ties, love letters to the victim and a map to the victim." 

    Here's a list of injures from this season alone. 

    Injuries plague Dancing with the Stars, now a kidnapping?

    It's known to be the "Curse" of Dancing with the Stars.  Over the last few seasons there have been more than a few pretty serious injuries not only on the star contestants but also on the  professionals.  Just to name a few:

     

    • Marie Osmond (fainted)
    • Stacy Keibler (seizure)
    • Susan Lucci (ankle)
    • Jeffrey Ross (eye)
    • Karina Smirnoff (fainted)
    • Derek Hough (head injury)
    • Misty May-Treanor (torn achiles)
    • Mark Ballas (shoulder)
    • Kym Johnson (shoulder)
    • Toni Braxton (benign lump)
    • Brooke Burke (foot)
    • Julianne Hough (appendectomy)
    • Jane Seymour (food poisoning)
    • Cristian de la Fuente (arm)
    • Kim Kardashian (foot)

    Even before this season of Dancing with the Starts began the curse continued to seek it's victim"S".    

    I'm feeling a bit under the weather....

    I wonder where that saying came from "feeling under the weather" what does that mean exactly??? HUH??  Well I'll have to check that out. 
    Anyway I say that because I am currently battling a cold!!  Thankfully I don't have the flu, but I am suffering from a nasty sinus cold.  Headache, sinus pain, sore throat, pretty typical.  So if you are in the same boat I thought I'd post some ways to feel better during the annoying cold and flu season. 

    Common Sense Treatments

    • Drink lots of fluid.
    • Get plenty of rest.
    • Eat a nutritious diet.

    Salt Water

    Gargling with salt water or using it to flush the nose can help reduce swelling and irritation.

    Canadian Paraplegic Association's NO LIMITS EXPERIENCE!!

    CPA  
     

    Canadian Paraplegic Association's - No Limits Experience  Canadian Paraplegic Association's - No Limits Experience


    Start Date: Thursday, 26, March, 2009 - 07:00pm

    End   Date: Thursday, 26, March, 2009 - 10:00pm

    Spring! K-Litefm Mystery Case! Spring!

    Yay welcome Spring!!!  We've all been waiting for you, it seems like it's been ages since we've seen you last!  Now that I know you're here I'm confident that you'll bring warmer weather and plenty more sunshine. I'll even tolerate all the rain you'll most likely bring, I like the flowers and leaves it allows to bloom!!  Let's hear it for SPRING!!!!  Woooo hoooo!!!! 

    I also wanted to congratulate Samantha Scott for picking Case #3 in yesterdays K-Litefm Mystery Case Contest as she's won a trip for 2 to Melia Cayo Sant

    Get your kids finger printed!

    Lime Ridge in association with Hamilton Police Services is offering to finger print your children for FREE this March Break in case of an emergency.  They're located outside Old Navy from 12:30 -1:30pm until this Friday March 20th.

    Happy St. Patrick's Day

    Aiko O'Brien St. Paddy's Day 
    Please to meet you, my name is Aiko O'Brien!!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

    Happy St. Patrick's Day ... tomorrow ...

    We'll all be seeing green tomorrow as the world celebrates Saint Patrick one of the patron saints of Ireland.


    Although it's not an official holiday here as it is in parts of Ireland, Canada and the world celebrates with parades and parties....and well GREEN beer!  

    Did you know that the Toronto Maple Leafs were known as the Toronto St. Patricks from 1919 to 1927 wearing green jerseys.

    And did you know that the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training wear green uniforms on St. Patrick's Day.

    Green is "the" colour around the world on March 17th!!

    I found some great St. Patrick's Day activites on the family fun website.  Crafts, games, treats and dinners!!  Have fun, click here.

    What to do this March Break

    Kids have been waiting for this week to come since Christmas, parents on the other hand may haven chosen to not even think about it.  Whether you like it or not March Break is finally here ... so what now???  Talking to some families many are busy with hockey tournaments, day camps, day trips etc.  So what are your plans?  Don't worry there's a ton to do and you don't have to travel far!!  Here's a list of activities, some are free:

    • - play at the park
    • - play outside
    • - bring toys outside to play
    • - crafts
    • - send kids away to visit family
    • - let them help with some spring cleaning
    • - sledding
    • - skiing
    • - local arena swim, skating
    • - outdoor skating
    • - Maple Sugar bush

    "What's Happening in Hamilton during March Break"

    Help raise money to feed hungry kids

    This Friday March 13th, Hamilton's Achievement Breakfast Club presents an Evening with Lorne Elliot one of Canada's premiere comedians and host of CBC's Madly off in all Directions.

    It's a formal evening with champagne, vintage wines, elegant hors d'oevres a silent auction and much more.  Remember every dollar raised goes to feed hungy kids right here in Hamilton. 

    Call 905-527-3505 for tickets.

    Could Dancing with the Stars be cursed??

    Here's the history of the so called "Curse" of Dancing with the Stars.  Over the last few seasons there have been more than a few pretty serious injuries that have taken down some of the contestants and professionals.  Marie Osmond (fainted), Stacy Keibler (seizure), Susan Lucci (ankle), Jeffrey Ross (eye), Karina Smirnoff (fainted), Derek Hough (head injury), Misty May-Treanor (torn achiles), Mark Ballas (shoulder), Kym Johnson (shoulder), Toni Braxton (benign lump), Brooke Burke (foot), Julianne Hough (appendectomy), Jane Seymour (food poisoning), Cristian de la Fuente (arm), Kim Kardashian (foot) and Gilles Marini has already been diagnosed with tendinitis. 

    A great inspirational story about getting fit!

    I read a great motivational story in todays Hamilton Spectator (3/10/09) section Go 5 by Carmelina Prete. 

    Getting healthy and fit is my goal in 2009.  I really want to be able to see myself as "that" person living the healthy lifestyle who eats well, is active and who is healthy.  So far I'm doing great.  Generally speaking eat a well balanced diet and work out at least 4 days a week.  But I'm human and from time to time need a boost and in todays Spec I got just that, a motivational story about a woman who turned her life around and went from over 300 pounds to becoming a personal trainer to running marathons!  WOW impressive right!!  Oakville's Alicia Snell wrote a book about her journey, "From 328 Pounds To The Boston Marathon: Me Minus 173.  If you want to meet Alicia, she'll be doing a book signing at Titles bookstore at McMaster University tomorrow at noon (3/11/09).    

    Click here to read the entire article.

    Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars !!

    The show hasn't even started yet and already 2 celebrities have pulled out of the show!!  We've always heard from the stars how brutal this dancing competition is both physically and mentally and now we're actually seeing how hard it is.  Both Jewel and Nancy O'Dell have dropped out due to injuries suffered from training so far.  Jewel suffered tendonitis and fractures in both legs and has been replaced apparently by Huge Hefner's ex girlfriend and star of Girls Next Door Holly Madison.  So who's replacing Nancy O'Dell...well it hasn't b

    Spring! Spring! Spring!

    Ok so it's not quite spring but we're getting there...exactly 15 days away from today!!!  Can I get a big WOO HOO!! 

     ***  REMEMBER *** TO *** SPRING *** AHEAD *** THIS *** WEEKEND ***

    The offical time change happens at 2am Sunday morning.  So before you go to bed set your clocks ahead 1 hour and you'll be all set to go! 

    FACE 2 FACE

    If you're a fan of Billy Joel and Elton John you probably already have your tickets to see them at the Air Canada Centre May 26th.  You also may be dying to find out what they're going to sing. With extensive music libraries to choose from will your favorites be played?  Well I found the set list.  So be warned...concert song spoiler ahead....continue to read if you're curious!!

    ***************************************************************************************

    Here's the setlist from opening night:

     

    Cold vs Mild

    I don't know about you but I'm loving this weather...yup I just said I'm LOVIN the weather...yeah I know it's minus a billion!!  Yes it's extremely cold but the sun totally makes up for that.  I can't stand the mild winter days with the rain it's so gloomy, it just makes me so sleepy.  But days like today, the air is crisp, I feel awake and ready to go you know!!  So rock your sunglasses and have a great day!!

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Just checking in ... how's your new years resolution coming along?

    It's February 26th ... pretty much 2 months since you made that dreaded new years resolution.  The statistics show that most of us have fallen off once, twice or three times so far, but that's normal!!  The point is to keep going, fall off the so called "wagon" who cares!!  Point is I keep getting back on.  So should you!!

    I must say that I've been doing pretty pretty pretty (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference) good.  I haven't made a resolution per say, but a life commitment.  I choose to live my life eating as clean as I can without being extreme and exercises at least 4 times a week.  The ultimate goal is to loose some LBs and to create lean muscle mass.  I want to be athletic and live a healthy active lifestyle and I am. 

    Pancake Tuesday Receipes!

    Dare I say I'm not much of a pancake eater on Shrove Tuesday a.k.a Pancake Tuesday.  It may be a good thing though that I don't have a weakness for them, because if I did I'm sure I'd have 1 or 2 or 3 helpings of them today all covered in butter and maple syrup....mmm.....does kinda sound yummy!

    But hey...if you are going to partake in the celebration why not choose a healthier version of the typical pancake.    I found this website featuring healthy pancake receipes which I have NOT tried any of them but thought maybe I'd share it with you.  Click here!

    Enjoy! And if you do try them let me know how they turned out!

    What do Madonna, Demi Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Leeza Gibbons have in common?

    The Oscar parties were in abundance last night!!  Hollywood celebrated their best with parties all over town, all with a scaled back low-er key atmosphere in recognition of the economic hard times affecting the country. 

    So what do Madonna, Demi Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Leeza Gibbons have in common?  They all threw their own oscar party!! 

    Here's a rundown of all the events:

    -- More than 15 hundred guests attended the Governor's Ball immediately after the ceremony ended at the Kodak Theater. The traditional after-Oscar gathering featured plenty of champagne and a menu by WOLFGANG PUCK, but event chairperson CHERYL BOONE ISAACS said guests would be celebrating in a, quote, "quiet and zen-like" atmosphere. Instead of expensive flower arrangements, guests were greeted by bonsai trees.

    -- Vanity Fair returned to the party scene after a year off, but its bash at the Sunset Towers hotel featured a reduced guest list and decorations recycled from previous events.

    -- MADONNA and DEMI MOORE co-hosted a bash at the Hollywood Hills home of the singer's manager, GUY OSEARY. According to Variety, the party was designed to be exclusive, with, quote, "No fluff, no entourages, no security and no hangers on."

    -- ELTON JOHN hosted his 17th Annual AIDS Foundation Party at the Pacific Design Center. More than six hundred guests were invited to watch the Oscar broadcast and enjoy gourmet food while bidding on high-end goodies during a silent auction. ELTON and singer RAPHAEL SAADIQ were expected to perform for the crowd.

    -- PRINCE hosted a party at the L.A. club Avalon. Your invite got lost in the mail? You'll be able to see footage of the party at LotusFlow3.com.

    -- Fox Searchlight Pictures tossed one party for the casts of Slumdog Millionaire and The Wrestler.

    -- JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT hosted the eighth annual "The Envelope Please" viewing party at The Abbey in west Hollywood. The event benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles.

    -- LEEZA GIBBONS, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN and composer DAVID FOSTER joined forces to host the Leeza Gibbons Oscar Night at Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills. The event benefited Gibbons' Memory Foundation and Newton-John's Cancer and Wellness Center.

    -- The 19th Annual Night of a 100 Stars Gala was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. What economic crisis? -- tickets were priced at a thousand dollars apiece.

    Want to become a Hamilton Firefighter?

    Hamilton Emergency Services Fire unit is looking for highly motivated men and women to be a part of their team.  

    If you're dedicated to serving the needs of the community, then consider becoming a Hamilton Firefighter.

    To better understand the required qualifications attend one of the two scheduled career firefighter recruitment information meetings.

    The information meetings are scheduled as follows:

     

     

     

    Date:               Monday February 23, 2009                                                    

    Another koala story!

    I just got this email and since I just blogged about koala Sam I thought I'd share it with you!!

    Subject: Fw: Beating the Heatwave!

     

    Absolutely adorable.....By the way, 44 degrees centigrade converts to 111.2 degrees Fahrenheit. This comes from Australia .

     

    At home in Victoria the temperature has been above 44 degrees all week and they are forecasting another week of 40+ temperatures. Power is failing, trains have stopped running because tracks are buckling under the heat . It's just scorching, and it seems that the people are not the only ones suffering.

    A happy ending for a koala caught in Australia's wildfires!

    She's now probably the most famous koala in the world all thanks to a firefighter who offered her water. 

    Firefighter David Tree had been working the charred bush area in Australia's southern Victoria State and noticed the koala with burnt paws.  As he walked toward her she didn't run away and when he offered her bottled water she drank it putting her paw in his hand.  I found this link that includes the article about the koala SAM, which they originally thought was a boy...but also this link includes the actual video of both David and Sam.  Too cute!!  You have to watch.  

    COLDPLAY to get served!

    Check this out...according to perezhilton.com


    We mentioned in December that music man Joe Satriani is alleging that Coldplay's Viva La Vida is a rip off of his song I Just Wanna Fly.

    Satriani asserts that the band have dodged being served his plagiarism lawsuit, but he hopes that won't be the case for much longer.

    He and his lawyer are planning to fill the Grammys with servers ready to pounce on Chris Martin and his fellow band mates.

    The lawyer repping Satriani says, "We have warned their British lawyers that we have hired a fleet of process servers lined up to dog the band everywhere they go this weekend in the hopes of serving them."

    Do you love to skate?

    If you love to skate outdoors and live in the Dundas area you're in luck!!  This Saturday February 7th is the official opening ceremony of the new outdoor rink at the Dundas Driving Park.  This rink is Hamilton's first....artificial rink!! Cool right!!

    Bring the whole family and don't forget your skates!

    When:           February 7, 2009

                     1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Do you need to recover from Super Bowl?

    Overindulge this Super Bowl weekend?  In take a little too much alcohol and food?  Yeah you're not the only one...it seems to be the trend around here at the station.


    Ok so don't let the weekend of bad food choices turn into a week of bad eating!!!  Lets recover together and get back on the program!! 

    Here are some steps I found at askmen.com:


    Up your fluid intake:
    Start drinking more WATER!! Right now, not this afternoon or tonight, RIGHT NOW!! Half the weight we gain after a period of overeating is due to water retention, so we need to flush the system out!!  You don't have to drink just H2O, fruit juice, milk, fresh fruit and veggies also count....BUT pure water is your best choice!!  Also watch your sodium intake over the next few days. 

    Jason Mraz on SNL!!

    Catch Jason Mraz on Saturday Night Live this weekend as your musical guest and legendary alumni Steve Martin will be your host!!  I hope the show doesn't dissapoint...lately it's been hit or miss for me.  Also I hope they invite Jason to do some skits, I've heard he's got a great sense of humour. 

    He'll perform "I'm Yours" - which I am so in love with right now...I love love love that song!!! he'll also sing his new single "lucky" with special musical guest Colbie Caillat.  Jason and Colbie recently wrote new songs together in Hawaii....hmmmm...are they both single...they'd make a great couple!!!!

    Coming out of the gloomiest week of the year!

    You did it!!  You and I made it through the worst week of the year (Jan 19 - 25).  Some mathematician came up with a formula which factored in the weather: cold, snow, lack of sun, coming out of Christmas holidays, holiday bills, etc. and found that last week was the most depressing week of the year and I believe the 19th was the worst day.  So congratulate yourself for making it through...I am!!! 

    I too had a horrible week, well horrible may be too harsh of a word lets just say it wasn't the greatest.  I had 4 days with over a 100 degree temperature; it never went over 100.8 so I wasn't too concerned, my body was obviously fighting off some kind of infection or virus.  I didn't get a full blown cold but just felt yucky.  So because of that I didn't work out for a week!  Normally I go to John Savidis 3 -4 times a week and try and do 3 Lean and Fit classes and some kick boxing classes as well.  Also daily in the morning I climb the new escarpment stairs in the East end off Kimberly / Kenilworth.  BUT...because of the COLD I haven't done them regularly in about 2 weeks.  So combined with my fever, no exercise oh and what do they say...feed a fever...starve a cold....umm.....yah.....so....my week wasn't the greatest to say the least! 

    Hamilton's 31st Annual Winterfest!

    Join in the fun at the kick off to Winterfest downtown at Gore Park this Sunday (Jan. 24).  Bundle up the whole family as the expected high will only reach -11.  The kids will love the Tribute to Hannah Montana Show at 12:15, then the ice carving demo at 12:45, lumberjack and snow games take part from 1pm - 2pm and Oldies 1150 CKOC's Rockin "N" Michaels and the BackBeat band perform at 2pm and 3pm. 


    For more info on Winterfest click here.

    Oscar Nominations

    Oscars

    Movie fans the Oscar nominations are finally out!  They were supposed to be announced this past Tuesday January 20th but they were postponed until today for a very good reason, of course the Presidential Inauguration took place on that very same day!!


    Nominated for Best Picture

    • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
    • Frost/Nixon
    • Milk
    • The Reader
    • Slumdog Millionaire

    Will Slumdog Millionaire take both the Golden Globes AND the Oscars for Best Picture?  It's got my vote!! (That is if I were even able to vote..lol)  Going into this movie I really had no expectations.  I didn't have a clue as to what the movie was about, but had heard it was getting Oscar buzz.  I was not disappointed and was very entertained throughout the entire movie.  

    OBAMA in Japan?

    We all knew that Barack Obama lived in Hawaii but did you know there's an Obama in Japan?

    "Obama" is a city in Japan in the Fukui Prefecture. Loosely translated "Obama" means "little" and "beach."

    This former fishing village well known for it's hand-painted lacquer ware (wakasa-nuri) has gotten much publicity since the U.S Presidential race.  The city has been featured numerous times in domestic and international media, and the number of visitors has increased by 20 percent.

    Apparently the city has received gifts for President Obama to congratulate his presidential inauguration, but has yet had the opportunity to present them to him. 




    Fleetwood Mac 2nd show added at the Air Canada Centre

    Go to fullsize imageFans of Fleetwood Mac good news!!!  They've added a 2nd show at the Air Canada Centre on March 17 and you can win them before you can buy them right here on 102.9 K-litefm!!

    Be listening to me AIKO today, tomorrow and Thursday for your Fleetwood Mac cue to call.  When you hear it call 645-LITE (5483) and be the lucky caller to win a pair of tickets before they even go on sale!! Good luck!

    In need of motivation?

    You are built not to shrink down to less but to blossom into more.

    Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, February 2003.

    We're now into the 2nd week of January and if the stats are correct most of us will not last into the 3rd week with our new years resolutions.  Statistics show that 22% of us will fail....harsh right??!!!

    I haven't made the quote on quote new years resolution to be more active and lose weight...I truly have made the decision to change my lifestyle.  I include exercise into my daily routine and I also choose to make healthier meal decisions.  I can't "DIE T" forever, I can however live with putting "ME" first.  By putting me first I know it's not selfish to want to take the time to exericse or eat right.  I feel empowered by taking control.  It's the lack of control that puts us into that "22%". 

    I also find watching NBC's Biggest Loser a HUGE (no pun intended) motivational tool.  I enjoy the show, it's reality and I LOVE reality tv!  The reality is, that could be me, I've just made that conscience decision to NOT let that happen.  If you find yourself lacking in the motivation department check out this link to the Biggest Loser site.  It's the biggest loser community gallery with real life stories how viewers have lost weight.  You can see before and after pictures, which I find so up lifting.  The most important thing I get from this site is....we can do it without the help of Jillian and Bob training us...we need to take responsibility and "control" of our own life. 

    So with that being said, I hope to have helped you with your mid January blues....lets do this together!!  Email me with your stories and suggestions.  All the best in 2009!!

    aiko@k-litefm.com

    My baby....

    Wanted to share this with you....

    Well Brian and I lost our dog this past October.  Her name was Allie, a black Chow Chow and she was almost 16 years old.  It was a tough blow to both of us and a very sad time but we knew we needed to move on so on January 1st we got a new Chow Chow, her name is Olivia...Olivia Chow...LOL...get it....Toronto NDP leader Olivia Chow...we named her after her just for name sake...it was too good to pass up! 

    Anyway Olivia is now in her 10 week and is amazing!!  She has only had 1 accident in the house!!!  Amazing right??!!  Anyone who has trained puppies knows that house training is the most frustrating thing ever, well I'm so proud to say she is already house trained!!! 

    Ride Go Transit for FREE!

    Good news to those who are planning on using Go Transit this New Years Eve!!  

     

    For immediate release  


    Ride GO for free this New Year's Eve


    GO Transit will once again be offering free transportation on its trains and buses this New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, from 7 p.m. until service ends for the evening.

    "Leave your car at home and let GO get you to and from the festivities this year," said GO Transit Managing Director Gary McNeil. "We're thrilled to be able to provide this annual free service for our customers and offer them a safe and comfortable alternative to driving."

    Happy Holidays

    Happy Holidays - Penguin  

    Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

     

    Oasis Spa and Lounge is a great way to relax this holiday season!

    Oasis Logo 
    I recently went for a pedicure at Oasis Spa and Lounge in Ancaster with a friend.  We decided to meet up during our lunch hour last Friday to chat, catch up and treat ourselves (our tired tired feet) to an amazing pedicure.  The experience was the perfect way to finish off the work week.  At Oasis Spa and Lounge if you've never been, man you're missing out...it's a spa experience like no other. What I mean by that is, yes of course they have all the amenities like other spas, but this spa offers gourmet food, wine and cocktails!!  Yes food and drink!!  It's really cool because they offer spa parties and it's a perfect place for lets say a holiday party or your bridal party!

    OasisSpa
    Oasis Spa and Lounge will be featured in the December issue of   DAYSPA Magazine.  Here's a copy of the write up:
     

    "In ages past, the bathhouse was a center of social activity in many cultures.  Now its finding its way back into the mainstream.  From happy hours to bridal showers, couple massages to corporate retreats, social spa-ing is replacing girls' nights out and power lunches.

    Real Christmas tree!

    Christmas TreeHave you put up your Christmas tree yet?  Ok I know it's December 8th most of you have had it up for a couple of weeks....lol...I have yet to put mine up!!!  Brian and I are planning to get a real tree as that's our preference we like the smell of the real tree throughout the house.  So for all of you who are like Brian and I here are some tips to care for your real Christmas Tree this year!

    At the tree farm or lot gently grab a branch and pull it toward you with your thumb and finger.  Look for a tree in which only a few needles come off.  Also the tree shouldn't have a lot of needles on the ground surrounding. 

    Serena Ryder live with Sunni and Hayes!!

    2008 JUNO New Artist of the Year winner Serena Ryder was in the K-Litefm studio this morning with Sunni and Hayes. 


    Check out her live performance.

    Harlequin books casting call

    Here's an awesome opportunity!  Power House casting is looking for you if you're a:

    • good looking male
    • 25 - 48 years old
    • AND work as a firefighter, police officer or paramedic

    This casting call is for Harlequin Books.  They're looking for authentic everday heroes to be paid cover models for upcoming book covers and promotions.  NO ACTING OR MODELING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

    Casting will be held on Saturday November 29th 10am - 3pm.  Details at Powerhouse Casting 93 Berkeley St. Toronto, ON M5A 2W8 416-777-0033

    Come see me at Best Buy Saturday!

    I'll be at the Grand Opening of Best Buy Hamilton tomorrow ( Nov 21) between 1pm - 5pm.  Come by and see me I may have a mug or 2 to give away!! 

    John Legend's "If You're Out There"

    I've received a few calls regarding John Legend's new song "If You're Out There".  It's both powerful and an amazing song, I love it! Here's a link with info on the song:
      

    http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/johnlegend



    Thanks to Lorraine for finding the song on youtube...enjoy!


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnTIV8I30R4&feature=related

    Santa Claus is coming to MANY towns!!!!

    santa If you missed this past weekends Hamilton Santa Claus Parade don't worry there are many more opportunities to see the big guy in red!!  Here's a list of the upcoming parades in the area!!

     

    Sunday, Nov. 23

    Milton - start time is 2 p.m.

    Starts at the corner of Bronte and Barton streets, goes north on Bronte to Main, east on Main, finishing at the back of the Milton mall. www.miltonsantaclausparade.ca

    Deborah Cox and her baby bump!!

    Deborah Cox Click Deborah's album cover "The Promise" to see her new video for "Beautiful You Are".  She's nearly 7 months preggers in the video.  She and her husband are expecting their third child in February!! 

    The next super couple on DWTS?

    I just loved this picture John Biggs sent to me today through email.  I just had to share it with you!!  So funny...wonder if this is the rumba?
    DWTS

    HOLA!

    Aiko_Mayan
    Well I'm back from my holidays in the Mayan Riviera!!  This picture was actually taken in Cancun.  It's truly unbelievable how much sleep I got on this vacation!!  I did nothing but lay in the sun and sleep ... oh and indulge in the "all inclusive" lifestyle!!  It was hard work!!

    I did however get some exercise in every morning by jogging from my resort into playa del carmen and back. &n

    Halloween Candy.....

    It's 2 days before Halloween...but how long have you been eating those mini halloween treats for...a few days...weeks...months!!!  LOL!!  We always buy them with great intentions of just being organinzed and buying them early so we don't have to worry about dashing out to the store to buy them last minute but we end up doing just that cuz the box or bags or candies you bought last week are already gone!!! 

    My favourites are those mini bags of swedish berries and fuzzy peaches...yum I could eat so many of those.  The good thing is they're only 45 calo

    Countdown to Halloween ... and ...

    We are 10 days away from Halloween and 64 away from Christmas!!  Let me put that into perspective.  Here it is in weekends....we have 1 weekend until Halloween and 9 weekends until Christmas. 

    If you're like me and the weekends tend to fill up before you know it, you may want to start penciling in some shopping days.  I'm the type of person who can be organized if I manage my time correctly so I'm already looking ahead in my day timer.  I'm crossing my fingers for a stress free holiday experience....lol...seems like an oxymoron!!

    Madonna Sticky and Sweet Tour at the Air Canada Centre

    Madonna fans flocked to the ACC this weekend with two sold out shows!!  The Sticky and Sweet Tour is packed full of dancing a dozen dancers a full band and a good selection of her library.


    I went to the Saturday night show and sat in section 116.  Not the best seats by any means. I was beside the stage and over just a touch so I couldn't see centre stage without the help of the giant screen over to my left.  But with a sold out show I couldn't complain, I mean it's Madonna!!!  The first thing I noticed when I saw Madonna was her body!  She's 50 and RIPPED!!!  So much so that she looked like she was entering a fitness competition.  You know that "look" where all you can see is the person veins and muscles!!  Yah that's what she looked like.  A little scary to be quite honest!!  Madonna Skinny Here's a pic of her going to the gym back in the summer and I think she looked skinner on stage this past weekend.  I don't know if it's the stress of her divorce but from what I've read about Madonna and her strict diet of steamed veggies and fish and extreme beauty regiments of sleeping in plastic suits covered in lavish creams....she's obviously doing everything she can to look and feel young and in shape and she does!!!  She's in such amazing shape that she hardly sweat on stage after dancing for 2 hours straight!  The cardio level on this women is unbeliveable.  I would have liked to have heard a few more oldies like material girl and holiday.  Some new twists were added to old favs like borderline got a rock update.  Oh and another thing Madonna plays the guitar on a lot of songs throughout the concert which was pretty cool.  Over all the show was great but dare I say I had a better time at the Janet Jackson concert....maybe it was because Janet did all my favourites and it evoked more nostalgia.  Madonna did new versions of her old songs and I'm not a huge fan of that.  

    Anyway that puts a end to my flashback fall concert series!!  New Kids on the Block, Janet Jackson and Madonna.  WOW!!! 

    VOTE...POLLS CLOSE AT 9:30pm

    I hope you're not feeling too sluggish today after Thanksgiving dinner because you have some voting to do today!!  Get out there and vote.  If you have any questions like "where do I go to vote?" then log go to elections.ca.

    This is Canada's 40th general election since 1867.

    Are you thankful this Thanksgiving?

    If you're one of the lucky ones who will have a warm meal with family and friends this long weekend then why not try and help the many who will not.  I wanted to point out 2 very important events happening in our city tomorrow Saturday Oct. 11th. 

    One is an emergency food drive for the St. Matthew's House food bank downtown Hamilton.  The emergency Thanksgiving food drive will be held at the Food Basics in the Westcliffe Plaza at the corner of Upper Paradise and Mohawk Road West.

    The other is a charity pig roast at the DNV'S on Concession Street.  All proceeds are going to help the Smith Family who were involved in a terrible car accident this summer while enroute their family vacation.  The parents and one child were killed two little girls survived and are now living with their grandparents.  

    Tickets $10.00 each-includes dinner

    Hey our Mayor wants to hear from all of us!

    Mayor Fred is welcoming all of us to give our opinions on City Hall and the renovations.

    A press release just came out from the Mayor's office stating:

    As you know, Hamilton City Hall is under renovation. As City Council makes construction decisions on this historically designated building, we are seeking to balance good heritage and design with costs savings through the use of either marble, limestone or concrete as the main exterior cladding material. In response to numerous public comments, Mayor Fred is welcoming Hamiltonians to give their opinion through a  poll on his website.

    Pedicures....

    I would love to go to the salon once a week to get a manicure or polish change or a nice leg massage with a relaxing pedicure but lets face it, both you and I are either too busy or just simply can't afford the weekly expense.  For me it's definitely the latter of the two.  But lets remember it's so very important for us to treat ourselves and often!!  Maybe not every week, but how about once a month or two.  Come on we deserve it!!!

    I was just at Oasis Spa and Lounge in Ancaster the other night they were kicking off their Holiday Party Season.  What a fantastic idea!!  If you're looking for a way to treat your staff or put together a girls night out holiday party, Tamarra and Darren do it up right with gourmet food from the Rousseau House (OMG YUMM), great atmosphere by the warm fire and of course the luxourious spa services.  Click here to book your appointment!!  And let me tell you the massage chairs....are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Heaven!!!!!!

    I got the OPI colour CHA CHING Cherry on my toes!!!!!

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Somehow or another we are all touched with real life stories of cancer.  Whether it's someone in your family your friend your co-worker who has or is battling the disease.

    October is breast cancer awareness month so over the next few weeks take the time to learn how to prevent and reduce your cancer risks. 

    Next Wednesday on TV the ladies on The View will be discussing the importance of early detection and prevention and will have special guest, cancer survivor Robin Roberts co-anchor of Good Morning America on talking about her battle with cancer. 

    Also this month here in the city Hamilton hair stylists will be talking to their clients about the importance of having regular mammograms especially for women who are 50 and older. 

    A co-worker of mine here at the radio station was affected by breast cancer last year.  I am happy and proud to say her mother is a survivor now.  Because of her mother she is now taking the precautions and learning how she can prevent and reduce her own cancer risks.  She went to an information session up in Kitchener at a thermography clinic, the closest clinic of it's kind to Hamilton.  This clinic assess the risk of breast cancer and leads to breast cancer prevention.  It's painless non invasive and safe with no radiation or compression.  For more information on the Thermography Clinic Kitchener Inc.  click here.

    Take the time out of your busy day!

    For more information from the Canadian Cancer Society click here.

    I used to love Rick Astley!!

    I laughed so hard when I read this story!!!! I had to share it.



    ONLINE PRANK LEADS TO RICK ASTLEY'S NOMINATION FOR "BEST ACT EVER" AT MTV EUROPE AWARDS

    The contenders for the Best Act Ever Award at the upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards include U2, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, BRITNEY SPEARS. GREEN DAY and...RICK ASTLEY?

    MTV Europe allowed fans to write in their nominees for this particular award, which is how Rick, best known for his 80s hits "Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever," ended up in the running. Earlier this year, online pranksters tricked millions of web users into clicking on the link for Rick's video for "Never Gonna Give You Up" -- a process called "RickRolling." This nomination is seen as an extension of that prank.

    Tomorrow is your last chance......

    Don't forget tomorrow is your last chance to Choose Matt's Adventure!

    Qualify with The K-Litefm Adventure tomorrow with the Sunni and Hayes Morning Show with Peter Jaycock and with ME for your chance to win a trip for 2 to the Gran Bahia Principe Ambar, Don Pablo Collection, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic courtesy of Bahia Principe Resorts, Transat Holidays and Tripcentral.ca- the smarter way to plan travel!

    My FLASHBACK concert series...

    It's like going back over 20 years.  Talk about a nostalgic concert series, this fall I've seen the New Kids on the Block, Janet Jackson and coming soon in October Madonna. 

    It's been an expensive journey back in time but well worth it.  It all started on September 21st with New Kids on the Block.  My NKOTB experience was the ulitmate girls night reunion.  Not only were we going back 20 years with the band but back 20 years with our silly girly teen memories.  What an absolute blast I'm surprised I even had a voice the next day I was screaming so much!  Janet Jackson was last night September 28th...WOW Janet still ROCKS it!!!!  For a one night only show did she ever go all out.  And when I say "show" she puts on an experience.  Pyrotechnics galore, amazing dancing, costume changes and an extended stage that came out like a square cat walk.  I can honestly say probably the BEST concert I have ever seen!!!!  Now I have to wait a couple of weeks til Madonna on October 18th...and after seeing Janet, Madonna better have one fantastic performance to close off my fall flashback concert series. 

    Fall colour changes...

    In the next few weeks we'll start to see the leaves change colour.  It's one of the nice things about summer ending.  I love going for a weekend drive especially when the leaves are at the prime colour change.  Here's a website to help you map out your next drive!!  Click here.

    New Kids on the Block!!!!!!!!!!

     

    It was a sea of ladies and a sprinkling of men in the crowd last night at the Air Canada Centre for the New Kids on the Block concert. 

     

    I've waited a LONG time to see these 5 guys from Boston perform just 1 more time.  And now that I got that chance to see them perform last night...I'd give anything to see them again!!  It was such a surreal experience to see Donnie, Joe, Jordan, Danny and Jonathan on stage dancing as men.  And to experience it with 9 other great ladies it was the best girls night EVER!!!!   I screamed, I sang, I cried, I screamed again, and sang some more, all I can say is I had an amazing time.  It wasn't so much reliving my youth but appreciating my memories and savoring the moment to create more long lasting ones.     

    A Movie in the Park!

    Get your family and friends together for a great night under the stars while watching a new family animated movie!

    Starting at 6pm this Saturday September 20th (rain date 21st) at Gilkson Park you and your family can take park in this fun family event to boost spirits in the neighbourhood.  There will be face painting, a clown, booths from the Hamilton Police Services and different City of Hamilton Departments, Bruiser from the Hamilton Bulldogs will be there and there will be a chance to win prizes.  Food and refreshments will be available for sale. 

    Movie in the Park at Gilkson Park, off of Gemini Drive begins at 6pm, movie at 8pm. 

    I feel much more athletic!!

    I played baseball on the weekend for the first time in ... oh I don't know ... 10 - 12 years and even back then it wasn't a real game it was more like elementary school gym class baseball.  Anyway I was pretty proud of myself, I was able to get somewhere around 9 runs in and I felt really agile.  I surprised myself how competitive I got and the desire to really sprint between bases and give it my all.  In the end ... VICTORIOUS!!!!  My team "Purple" won!!!  But boy ... did I ever feel the pain afterwards!  Man oh man I guess by playing baseball I woke up some dormant muscles that had been resting for quite some time!!!  My inner thighs were so sore I had to buy Epsom salts just to try and relax.  With climbing the escarpment stairs almost daily and going to my Lean and Fit classes with John Savidis 3 times a week I thought my muscles would be ok.  But I guess baseball had me using some muscles that I just don't use everyday...obviously...ouch!!!

    Hockey Night in Canada Theme Challenge

    So Hamilton won't be able to take the Canadian Idol title for the second year in a row but we could take the title of the home town of Hockey Night in Canada composer!

    I just received a press release from Ward 8 Councillor Terry Whitehead and I'm glad I did because I had no idea of this contest or that a Hamiltonian had made it to be one of the contestants.  Yiannis Kapoulas a local musician has entered 2 compostions into the online Hockey Night in Canada Theme Challenge. 

    So here is where you and I come in.  Let's get together to vote for Yiannis.  Here are his two enteries;

    Locke Street Festival!!!!

    It's the 9th Annual Locke Street Festival this Saturday September 6 from 10am -7pm.  Walk along Locke from Hunter to Stanley and enjoy this great street fest with over 60 merchants and 75 vendors, delicious food, entertainment, kids activities and special events.  For more information visit www.loso.ca or call 905 522-3940.

    Getting back into a routine with Lean and Fit!

    Ok so the summer is "unofficially" over.... boo!  Most families have a difficult time trying to schedule anything during the summer months due to the kids being out of school, vacation weeks, parties, barbeques...yeah I could go on but lets not!  It's time to get back on track!!

    September for me is usually a downer type month.  I get a little down knowing that summer is almost over and that I have to look forward to dreaded winter...boo!  And typically in September I fall way off my routine, which should be the opposite, we should all be getting into one. But during the fall I find myself becoming lazy and not working out, taking on terrible eating habits and eating terrible foods, it's a downward spiral.  But this year it's NOT going to happen thanks to John Savidis and his Lean and Fit program at 385-LEAN!

    Are you kidding me...it's the end of August ALREADY!!!!

    We say it every year, it never fails!  "Where did the summer go??"

    The last week of August means a lot of different things to many people.  It could bring on various different emtions as well from sadness to joy!  Parents are mostly happy to get some sort of normalcy back into their schedule with the kids going back to school.  For myself it's a bit of sadness and joy, I feel like I didn't get the chance to enjoy the summer due to the poor weather and now with fall right around the corner I look forward to the colour changes, fall fashions lol...but also I cringe at the thought of using the words frost, snow, freezing rain...boooooo!!!!  LOL!!!  Oh well I guess we gotta love the 4 seasons. 

    He's an eating machine!

    He's on his way to matching the record of 7 gold medals at a single Olympic Game.  American athlete Michael Phelps is a swimming machine and at 6'4, 195 pounds he eats like one too with a 12,000 calorie A DAY diet!!  Keep in mind the average person consumes ... what ... 1,200 - 2,000 calories a day.  Here's a typical menu of what he eats:

    Breakfast: Three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise. Two cups of coffee. One five-egg omelet. One bowl of grits. Three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar. Three chocolate-chip pancakes.

    Vacation, sick days and exercise!

    It feels like forever since I've been on the air!  I was off on vacation the week of July 28th and then returned to work only for a day before I got sick! 

    My vacation took me to Chicago again, love it there.  Why do I love it so much, well it's a great city very safe, clean, it's by the lake, shopping galore and oh the pizza!  LOL...ya I indulged in a few slices while I was away...hee hee.... BUT I did exercise quite a bit at the hotel gym, I also went jogging outside and we walked everywhere!!!  I returned to work after the holiday Monday only to be sick the very next day.  I caught the flu somewhere and boy did it ever hit me.  I had a fever of 103!!!!!  Or should I say 102.9!!!!!  

    I'm off for a week...

    Well I'm finally taking a week off!!  Yayyyyy!!!! It's just seems like forever since I've had a vacation.  Thinking about heading down to Chi-Town for great shopping and amazing PIZZA!  Yes yes I know I'm definitley going to eat it in moderation.  I'm going to be keeping to my diet as best at possible.  I'm going to take my running shoes and work out clothing!!!  So I'll see you on August 5th after the Civic Holiday Long Weekend.  Be safe, see you then!!

    Christmas in July?

    CHRISTMAS IN JULY
    Hail1 Hail2 Hail3
    Thanks to my co-worker Carrie who's Dad took these pictures last night and this morning in Grimsby.  With all this heat and humidity this summer we sure have had our full of "unsettled" weather and last night was no different.  With a severe thunderstorm watch issued by our Matt Hayes Forecast last night (which continues to be in effect today) the hail came down around 11pm and covered the lawns of Grimsby.  Wow the saying Christmas in July was quite literal yesterday!!!  Does this mean I get presents under the maple tree?

    I'm craving exercise....is this normal...???

    Yeah I can't believe it either...but...."me"..."Aiko"...am craving exercise.  Not any exercise because I really do not enjoy the gym anymore...the typical treadmill, bike, free weights...you know the setting...I always used to find myself dragging my heals around the gym floor grinding my teeth because I just wasn't having any fun!!  I know you know what I'm talking about!!! 

    Well now I'm craving my John Savidis Lean and Fit classes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Please believe me when I say I feel this is my lifestyle now.  John Savidis' Lean and Fit program at 385-LEAN (5326) has kinda changed the way I look at exercise mentally.  Because prior to Lean and Fit I knew what I needed to do to lose weight....exercise and eat right...BUT....and that's a big BUT....I was eating a pretty CLEAN diet, lots of veggies, protein and not too much carbs....but I wasn't pushing myself when it came down to exercise.  Sure I went on the treadmill and jogged for 30 mins yeah I worked up a sweat, sure I used the free weights to build up some lean muscle....BUT...it wasn't enough. 

    Our grass is nice and green!

    Well sometimes you just need to look at the bright side and with all this rain and unpredictable weather I guess I can say my lawn is looking great!! 

    Everything is so nice and lush with the amount of rain fall this year actually I just read that Spectator article regarding the amount of lightning we've gotten in this area compared to last year ... wow!

    "Environment Canada said there were more lightning flashes in the Hamilton area last month than in all of 2007. June saw 9,050 bolts compared to 7,389 for all of last year, said meteorologist Geoff Coulson." The Hamilton Spectator July 16, 2008 By Carli Whitwell

    Prefer a pool rather than the lake?

    Ok so you still want to cool off but you're not a lake "type" swimmer...ok not a problem...click here to find a list of all Hamilton outdoor pools!!  Be safe have FUN!!

    Cool off at the beach!

    Why not cool off from this sticky hot humid weather and go jump in the lake! The City of Hamilton's Public Health Services have tested the water from 8 local beaches for high amounts of potentially harmful bacteria.  Those beaches found to have high levels of bateria, signs are posted close to the water, warning swimmers about the contaminated water.

    But the good news is the recent report has all but one safe to swim in.  Here is the list.  Keep in mind if you see a sign POSTED do not swim.

    Bayfront Park Beach, Hamilton   Posted 

    Free movie at Valley Park tonight!

    Weather permitting tonight (40% chance of showers late this afternoon and evening with a risk of a thunderstorm) bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends to Valley Park for a free movie!!  Starting at dusk enjoy Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase and all proceeds will go to support the Hamilton Spectator Summer Camp fund which sends local disadvantaged kids to summer camp. 

    For more information click here.

    Terry Fox Foundation...

    It's been out of commission for the last 28 years!  It has been resurrected and brought back to its original 1980s state.  The Terry Fox Foundation and Ford of Canada bring you the original van used by Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope in 1980.  Touch a piece of Canadian history in Burlington tonight July 14th from 5pm - 7pm at 850 Brant Street.

    Escape to African Lion Safari!

    Congratulations to the winners of the African Lion Safari Family Passes!!

    Kim Wright of Burlington

    Valerie Sobczak of Dundas

    Laura Prentice of Dundas

    Enter for your chance to win and listen to me every Friday afternoon all summer long as I announce the winners!

    Enter online at http://www.k-litefm.com/ for your chance to win!

    This Saturdays TiCat game and FREE HSR services!!

    ticat helmetHey guys keep in mind that this Saturday's Ti Cat game against the Roughriders is the only Saturday home game until September so make sure you head out to see the game and bring the whole family!! 

    Plus you don't have to drive down because HSR is offering fans with valid game tickets on game days free shuttle service from four different locations:

    Downtown - 1A/10 bus stop, King Street East between Hughson and John and 1/10 bus stop, Main Street East at John Street. Buses depart every 20 minutes starting two hours prior to the game until game time.

    Climbing the stairs!!

    Escarp StairsI finally did it!  After years of talking about how I want to try a set of the escarpment stairs I finally did.  I braved the new set in the east end that connects the Mountain Brow to Kimberly.  So far I've gone 3 times.  Each time I think I'm getting better.  I'm almost to the point where I can do one set of the stairs (trail to street) without stopping.  I also jog along the 2km trial that connects the stairs in between. 
    So each time I go I start at the stairs at Kimberly go up about 200 stairs then jog to the 2km stretch to the next set. 
    This set of stairs takes me up to the Mountain Brow, they are very steep and it's approximately another 200 stairs.  Once I get up to the Mountain Brow I go back down jog the 2km back to the stairs to Kimberly go back down those stairs and then start all over again.  It's BRUTAL, but I actually really enjoy it!!!!

    Since I started the Lean and Fit program with John Savidis I've gained the confidence to know that I can do stuff like this.  Physically I'm able to push myself where as before I would have given up.  That's what I love about my Lean and Fit classes, I've built up my endurance level while at the same time built muscle!!!  Feeling fit is sooooooo much better than feeling sluggish.  Call John at 385-LEAN you will not regret making this lifestyle change!!!!!!!! 

    African Lion Safari Winners!

    Here are this Fridays African Lion Safari Winners:

    Tracy Greenberg of Ancaster, Natalie Lovas of Hamilton and Edward Lawrence of Burlington.

    Congratulations to the three of you, you have all won Family Passes to African Lion Safari Canada's Largest Safari Adventure!!

    For your chance to win enter online at www.k-litefm.com.

    Have a great weekend!!!!

     

    National Fishing Week

    Celebrate National Fishing Week July 5th - 13th and take part this weekend July 4th - 6th in Ontario Fishing Weekend!!  You can fish licence free!!!

    Kids 16 years and under grab your sunscreen your tackle box and your favourite fishing rod and get ready to enter the the Annual Children's Fishing Derby this Saturday July 5th in Caledonia.  Registration will take place between 9am - 11am at the Caledonia Hunters and Anglers Association on Hwy 54 just south of Brant County Rd 22.  The event starts at 9am and wraps up at 3pm.  Kids can fish anywhere along the Grand River after they register but must return to the main site by 3pm. 

    Pictures with the Stanley Cup

    As in my earlier blog I was telling you I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with my friend Aaron Downey of the Detroit Red Wings and the Stanley Cup .... so as promised here are the pictures..

     Stanley Cup Stanley Cup 2

    Free movie under the stars!!!

    Hopefully the showers hold off for us tonight so you can enjoy a free movie under the stars at Valley Park (Paramount and Mud). 

    102.9 K-Litefm is proud to sponsor free movies under the stars.  Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends and get comfortable to watch GREASE on a giant inflatable screen!  The proceeds from the food and beverage will go to the Hamilton Specator Summer Camp Fund, a charity that sends local, disadvantaged children to summer camp. 

    Movie starts at dusk and could be cancelled due to weather conditions.

    The Stanley Cup!!

    Ok so since I wasn't able to cheer on the blue and white leafs during the playoffs I was more than happy to cheer for the red and white....wings...the Detroit Red Wings!!  Why you say???  Well I grew up in a small town north of us called Shelburne (Hwy 10 & 89) and went to school with NHL hockey player Aaron Downey.  If you're a fan of hockey than you already know Aaron won the Stanley Cup with the Red Wings earlier this month and as you know all players get to take the Cup to their hometowns for 24 hours.  So yesterday was Aaron's day in Shelburne / Honeywo

    Celebrating Friday with the African Lion Safari!

    Congratulations to the following for entering online at www.k-litefm.com you have won a Family Pass to the African Lion Safari Canada's Original Safari Adventure!!

    1. Kathy Hull of Hamilton

    2. Bhairavi Kumar of Dundas

    3. Janette Whitham of Burlington

    Worry "free" driving for Canada Day Fireworks!!

    It's literally worry FREE...HSR will be offering free shuttle service from different downtown locations to Pier 4 Park for the Canada Day Fireworks on Tuesday!!

    Hop on board a free shuttle bus at one of the following stops:

    • John and King Streets
    • John and Barton Streets
    • James and Strachan Streets (A short walk to Bayfront Park)
    • James and Colbourne Streets
    • James and King William Streets

    The free shuttle buses operate between Downtown Hamilton and Pier 4 Park every 15 minutes starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at midnight.

    My body is transforming...

    since I've started the Lean and Fit program with John Savidis I can really notice a difference in my body.  For me it's not necessarily the weight loss that I'm excited about it's the TONING!!  I'm leaning up for the first time in my life.  You and I have done the free weights at the gym to but do you ever notice we drag our butts around at such a slow pace and the intensity just isn't there.  Well with the lean and fit program I am starting to do real push ups on my toes...I'm still a little weak in my upper arms but I'm getting there,

    Japanese TV Shows!!!

    Being Japanese I've grown up watching Japanese TV shows all my life and my favourite has always been their comedies.  One thing you need to understand is Japanese humour is really bizzare but in a really good FUNNY way.  All the shows you see today from Fear Factor to Punk'd with Ashton Kutcher in my opinion were all influenced by Japanese style humour.  And now there's a new show called "I Survived A Japanese Game Show" and it premieres tonight at 9pm.  The winner will take home $250 thousand dollars!!!  BUUUUUTTT...a big BUT, the winner must com

    Feeling Fit!

    Some of you may know I joined the John Savidis Lean and Fit program 2 weeks ago.  So I just wanted to give you an update. 

    I can truly say, no word of a lie, I love his classes.  They're like a boot camp style 30 min class with high intensity cardio and overall body sculpting exercises.  These exercises are ones that elite althletes do to get in shape, so you know it works!! 

    I've lost LB's and I know I've lost inches because I'm lovin' my clothes again ... already buying new ones!!  The best part is the toning, my legs honestly are getting really toned, my thighs are really showing muscle and not just flab!!  My arms are getting there too...who knows I may even feel confident in sleeveless shirts...the most important part is, I'm getting there and you can too!!  Call John at 385-LEAN.  What's 10 weeks of your life, it's 10 weeks you can feel better about yourself and it's 10 weeks to a healthier you for a lifetime, remember it's a lifestyle.  Email me at anytime and ask me questions: aiko@k-litefm.com.  Talk to you later!

    Sherman Cut reopens...BUT....

    Great news to pass along for motorists!  The Sherman cut reopens this afternoon at 2:30pm (June 18th).  

    Here comes the BUT .... but .... due to construction the following roads will be completely closed (except to adjacent residents) on Monday, June 23rd at 9:00am:

    • Mountain Brow Blvd. from Upper Ottawa Street to Oakcrest Drive
    • Kenilworth Access from the Sherman Access to Mountain Brow Blvd.
    • Sherman Access from Charlton Avenue to the Sherman Cut
    These roads must be closed between June 23rd and August 30th, 2008.   During this period, the Sherman Access from the Sherman Cut to the Kenilworth Access will function as full-time, two-way traffic (morning and afternoon one-way operation will be suspended).

    The Mohawk HSR route will be affected by this work.  At Mohawk and Upper Ottawa, the Northbound 41-Mohawk will travel south on Upper Ottawa, east on Stone Church, north on Dartnall to the Red Hill Valley Parkway, north on the Parkway to the King Street off ramp, west on King, follow on ramp to Kenilworth southbound to the Kenilworth Traffic Circle.  From the Traffic Circle the 41-Mohawk will continue the regular routing.  When going southbound from the Traffic Circle, it will follow the same detour in reverse.  Please note, there is no service on Upper Ottawa between Mohawk and Mountain Brow.  Please visit www.hamilton.ca/hsr for more information, and to view a map and timetable. 

    My Birthday today!

    Well I just wanted to thank all of you who called and emailed me today!!!!  Thank you thank you thank you, you've made my day all of you!!! 

    Rain saves you money this summer!

    ECO SUMMER 2008!

    Hey lets all make the best of all this rain lately and get a rain barrel.  Environment Canada says this summer will be warmer than normal with hot tempuratures right through until August which will create unsettled weather with storms a great example was this Friday and Sunday night.  WOW...man was it ever thundering out!!!  Ohhh and the rain was coming down sideways!!  So that being said, lets all get a rain barrel we can use that water for our gardens and our lawns PLUS we'll save money at the end of the season and who doesn't like the sound of that!! 

    African Lion Safari Winners

    It's a very lucky Friday the 13th for these 3 K-Litefm listeners:

    Congratulations to Trudy Coberovic, Leanna Coyne and Jennifer Walker all of Hamilton who have all won a family pass to visit African Lion Safari Canada's Largest Safari Adventure!!!!!

    For your chance to win enter online at www.k-litefm.com and click on contests!!  Good luck and have a great weekend!!!!!!!!

    Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!

    Another Hamilton Canadian Idol!!!???

    Did you watch Idol last night???  Well if you didn't you missed a guy by the name of ADAM...can't remember his last name but it started with a C.  Anyhow he's from Hamilton he's a construction worker and an excellent musician.  He sang a great song from the Fugees "Ready or Not" accompanied by an acoustic guitar and he was really really good!!  So cool because they showed him performing at the West Town restaurant on Locke Street...my favourite place to go for breakfast!!!  So I will definitely keep my eye out for this guy ADAM!!!

    No pain, no gain ???

    Ok, so I went to my 2nd John Savidis "Lean and Fit" class last night.   That's the last time I go without stretching!!  You really have to prepare yourself before you go into that class it's pretty intense and you can't expect your body to just take it!!  LOL, you gotta warm it up first.  Anyway so I think I slightly pulled my left quadricep, I think that's what it's called...the front part of my thigh....just a little tight now but I'm constantly stretching it out and last night I spent the night on the couch with a bag of frozen baby carrots!!  LOL!!!  It felt awesome!!  And it worked because today, I'm feeling pretty good.  I even did a 50 minute yoga dvd at home which was just perfect! 

    Summer and me!

    My best friend has come home, although she's a bit early technically speaking on the calendar.  Her official arrival isn't scheduled until June 21st, but I love her so much she decided to come early!!!  Of course I'm speaking of  my best friend "Summer". 

    Hope you're enjoy her weather that she so graciously brought with her.  She works for Mother Nature so she's got a great "in" with the main woman in charge!!  I know it may be a little warm for some of you, especially those who work outside, but if you take care of yourself while you're basking in the heat and sunshine you should be just fine!  According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some tips to stay cool:

    Keep it cool

    Holy Savidis !!

    Ok so I've made the commitment to myself to endure both physical and mental stimulation or you can call it pain...either or...but it's GOOD pain so I'm excited to join John Savidis and his "Lean and Fit" program. 

    I really wanted to make myself accountable so I've decided to blog about my daily progress right here.  I hope to keep myself motivated this way and also hope to motivate someone else to get healthy!  I've always considered myself a healthy eater, but I do have my weaknesses (sweet, salty & savoury) OK....I love all food!!!  So anyway with the help of John and his "Lean and Fit" program I hope to GAIN the knowledge of nutrition and physical endurance and LOSE the extra weight I've been lugging around!

    Cool new shows on TV!

     

    Yes ok, I know I should be getting off the couch at night and do something productive, but I can't help it.  I LOVE television too much to tear myself away just to do something boring like sweeping or washing dishes...blah blah blah...LOL...yes can you tell I dislike cleaning...LOL!!!

    Ok so tonight a new series starts on NBC if you like scary movies you'll love this it's called "FEAR ITSELF".  It's a 13 episode horror anthology which will feature a new frightening tale each week with Superman Returns star Brandon Routh and former LOST star Cynthia Watros (she was the one shot by Michael).  The show is definitely not for kids and starts at 10pm. 

    I could go for a large coffee right about now..

    This is the time of day where I really could use a coffee...large 2 milk and 1 sweetner...yummy!  A perfect day for a hot caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee as we sit at 13 degrees and under a heavy blanket of fog!!  Gotta love spring!  But also because of CAMP DAY.  Lets all help send a kid to camp by buying a cup of coffee from TIM HORTONS.  Today and today only Tim's will be putting every cent raised from coffee sales to send a kid to camp.  Over the years over 13000 children (YUP 13 thousand!! )who otherwise couldn't afford to go were sent on adventures of a lifetime!! 

    Monday already...."sigh"....

    Do you ever find a 2 day weekend is really not enough time to recover before we go back to work on Monday?????  Man oh man I can honestly say I am tired today.  With events and work and house hold chores I need Monday to be included in the "weekend".  A four day work week would be perfect don't you think!!!  I can just imagine you nodding "yes" right now!!  LOL!!

    But with that said, I had an amazing weekend.  I started off with a remote at the Grand Opening of Home Outfitters in Oakville in the Burloak Centre.  The place was packed!!!!!!!  For obvious reasons...the deals we superb for their grand opening!!  Also I took part in the CHCH McMaster Children's Hospital CELEBRATION on Sunday.  Congratulations to everyone who took part to help raise $5.6 MILLION DOLLARS. 

    Go Wild!!

    Congrats to the following winners of a family pass to African Lion Safari, Canada's original safari adventure!

    Kara Mazza of Hamilton, Dan Martin of Stoney Creek and Terri Excell of Hamilton.

    For your chance to win enter at www.k-litefm.com and click on contests.

    McMaster Children's Hospital CELEBRATION!!

    This weekend I am very honored to be taking part in the 16th Annual McMaster Children's Hospital CELEBRATION!  As I've been a part of our own radio station's RADIOTHON each year this will be my first time being involved in CHCH TV's CELEBRATION for Mac Kids. 

    As a member myself of the Mac Kids miracle club, which is just $18 per month, I know the importance of such a leading edge Childrens hospital in our City.  I don't have any children, but I do have family and friends with kids.  They thankfully are healthy but I take comfort in knowing that I may be helping a child and family each month without even knowing them.  Call 1-866-MAC-KIDS (1-866-622-5437). 

    Countdown to Idol!!

    Brian Melo Wins Here we go again!!!  Tuesday June 3rd the 6th season of Canadian Idol premieres on CTV @ 9pm.  

    I'm looking forward to watching the audition stage of the show as it's one of favourite parts.  And this year it'll be cool to see all the Hamiltonians and people from the surrounding area auditioning at Eastgate Square.  Also looking forward Jully Black joining the show as a mentor/coach.  I really like her, she's energetic and talented.  Love her CD "Revival".

    O's vegan diet...

    Oprah has come out publicly regarding her weight gain and that she now suffers from a thyroid condition.  So what is the richest women in televsion going to do about it?  She's going VEGAN!  Yup, vegan...but only for 3 weeks.  It's more of a cleanse then any thing else.   The cleanse will last 21 days and she says in her blog, this will give her a chance to think about what foods she has attachements to and what she's willing to do to change.  She also says she doesn't know whether or not this will make her feel better or worse.  Get her diet details at Oprah.com.

    YAY for COOK!!!!!

    In the battle of the Davids last night on American Idol, I must say I was soooo extremely happy that David COOK took the title. 

    Last night's idol show was really good, for a 2 hour show it didn't seem to drag at all.  Especially with all the special guests...all the rumoured guests came out to be true....One Republic, Bryan Adams, but I loved a few specific performances...ZZ Top with David Cook "Sharp Dressed Man", cool...but the funniest where I burst out laughing was the performance of retro Gladys Knight and The "special" Pips...special because it was Jack Black, Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr...OMG they were hilarious!!!!  Thought it was odd to see Robert Downey Jr with Stiller and Black but I just found out that all 3 are starring in a comedy togther this summer called "Tropic Thunder" about actors in a war movie who are suddenly forced to be real soldiers.  Should be funny.  And speaking of funny I love Mike Myers' new character "Guru Pitka".  He was on the show last night too plugging his new movie "The Love Guru"....Mariska Hargitay - to you...lol...you'll have to see the trailer to find out what I'm talking about.....

    The days go by so fast.......

    I hate how long we have to wait to enjoy a long weekend and when it finally gets here, it goes by so fast!! 

    Well this Victoria Day long weekend was indeed a COLD and WET one, but for me it was a weekend full of good times with close friends.  Saturday night was cold but it was dry so we were ok.  We spent most of the night by the roaring camp fire.  Sunday morning the sun was back out but didn't last for long as the skies turned grey and dark and the wind picked up and the rain came down...what a downer!!!  By late afternoon the rain stopped but it sure stayed cold until we left on Monday morning.   I have to say that my layers of clothing saved me!  It's so important to wear layers to keep warm.  I

    Winners of Family Passes to African Lion Safari

    Friday May 16th African Lion Safari winners: 

    Congratulations to: Sarah Bird of Hamilton, Robin Burr of Hamilton and Olivia Divinski of Hamilton.

    All 3 of you have won a family pass to experience African Lion Safari, Canada's original Safari Adventure!

    For your chance to win click here.  Then every Friday afternoon listen to me "Aiko" and I'll announce the weeks winners, so join me 2pm - 7pm!!

    Happy Victoria Day Long Weekend!!!!!!!!!!  Be safe, don't drink and drive, drive carefully and stay WARMMMM!!!!

    Charity concert for Manuela

    You may recall a story featured on K-Litefm news regarding a 9 year old Hamilton girl Manuela who had travelled with her family to Columbia to visit family.  When they went to return home they ran into problems with Manuel's travel documents.  As a result the family had to return home without her.  The story has a happy ending with Manuel finally back at home with her family but now her family who endured emotional suffering has also incurred huge legal debts. 

    This is where you can help. 

    The parishioners of St. Margaret Mary Community are hosting a benefit concert to assist the family financially and emotionally.  It features the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir and will take place at 8:00 pm on Friday, May 23, at St. Margaret Mary Church, 20 Idlewood Avenue, Hamilton mountain.  Tickets are $10 each and proceeds will go to Manuela's family.  Tickets are available at Credo Books, 1000 Upper Gage Avenue.   We invite all to plan a family or group outing for an evening of joyful music.

    Summer Camp!

    It's already that time of year, to start thinking about summer activities for the kids.  Even though the kids don't get out of school for over a month now, registration for Hamilton City run day camps is already open.  Here's all the information you may need!

    Important Registration Dates: Registration for summer camps is now open. Registration for summer courses and lessons begins on Saturday, June 14 for residents of the City of Hamilton. You can register in one of the following ways:

    ONLINE: www.hamilton.ca/rec starting at 9:00 AM

    Happy Birthday Hamilton Magazine!

    I was lucky enough to be invited to the 30th Anniversary Party of Hamilton Magazine this past Friday at Liuna Station.  The main ball room look absolutely stunning!  They transformed the look of the room into a swanky stylish lounge bar.  There were food stations from local restaurants set up with delicious treats and the bar set up in the middle of the room served cocktails with unique Hamilton reference names ie: The Jolly Cut drink had a jolly rancher candy in it.  Yummy!! 

    Congratulations to Hamilton Magazine on 30 years and once again thank you for including me in your magazine and on the front cover, it was such a honour!!

    MuMs R' gRRRR88888!!

    Happy Mums DayTo all the Mother's out there, I want to wish you a stress free, glorious Mother's Day Sunday!! 

    QEW closure starting tonight!

    Many of you will be using the Niagara Bound QEW this weekend...if your travels take you over the Burlington Skyway....heads up!!!

    The Niagara Bound QEW will be CLOSED over the Burlington Skyway due to bridge construction.  The closure times and dates are as follows:

    Friday May 9th from 10pm - 10am Sat May 10th

    Sat May 10th  from 8pm to 8am Sun May 11th

    Beware that traffic will be detoured onto Eastport Drive.  If you're planning a Mother's day breakfast / brunch this weekend and you need to get to the East side of the Burlington Skyway (the Lake is North) ...then make sure to give yourself extra driving time!!!

    I know what I'd want if I was a Mother...

    I know it's difficult for everyone to decide what to get mom for Mother's Day...but if I were a mom I know what I'd want.....a day of pampering...not only would I like to go to the spa for a massage, manicure and pedicure, but when I got home I'd like the house to be spotless, the garden tended to with loads of beautiful flowers planted, oh and dinner made!!!!  LOL...that's a lot right...but remember we are playing "pretend" here...I am not a mother, but if I was that would be a dream gift!!

    Just remember, you know what your mom's likes and dislikes are.  Does your mom have a busy schedule, with work, kids sports games, house work etc? Then why not take a few or all of those daily chores off her plate.  Clean the house, make her brunch and suprise her with a new outdoor chaise lounge!!  Give it some thought, you've still got some time before Sunday..don't forget flowers are not cliche and are always a beautiful choice!!

    I'll be at the Ancaster Future Shop this Sat!!

    Come see me on location at the Grand Opening of the new Future Shop in Ancaster, 1110 Wilson St.  I'll be there this Sat May 2nd from 1pm - 5pm.  From what I've heard there's amazing doorcrasher deals on brand name home theatre systems, tv's, computers, digital cameras, etc..

    Canadian Idol Brian Melo, will also be there signing autographs Saturday from 1pm - 3pm.  Also don't miss Toronto Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker signing autographs on Sunday from 1pm - 3pm. 

    And don't miss out on the FREE gift cards, just be one of the first 100 people in line on Friday, Saturday or Sunday....PLUS 1 lucky person will win a $500 (five hundred dollar) shopping spree each morning. 

    Taxes due at midnight...or are they???

    Thanks so much to Garry who sent me a link to the Globe and Mail article released today at 1:29pm, regarding the Canada Revenue Agency has extended the deadline for online filing to May 6th, as a result of the heavy traffic on their site.  I tried myself to see how long it would take...their homepage never uploaded...it's that slow!!

    Here is the link to read the article.

     

    I'm the winner of the Big Brother 9 pool!!!!!

    Yes!! Adam won Big Brother 9 last night!!!!  Adam also known as A-Baller won the $500 Grand over Ryan....the jury voted for Adam 6-1!!!!  Which means I also won $160 from the BB9 pool I was in!!!!  It was well worth the $10 gamble!!!  Can you tell I'm excited with all the !!!  If you know anything about me, I love reality TV!!  So I'm equally excited that Big Brother summer edition will be back on CBS this summer!! 

     

    Can you see out of your windshield?

    Man oh man do I ever need to go get my jeep cleaned!!  Driving today in the light rain, my windows were so dirty and covered in bugs I could barely see once I turned on my intermittent wipers.  All of a sudden all these bugs are everywhere.  I notice them a lot when I'm jogging outside as I run into a swarm of them and they go into my eyes and mouth...lovely...protein??  LOL...

    I should actually get motivated and clean the whole jeep inside and out...I haven't done that in probably 6 months.... I'll probably hold off on the wash outside though as it's supposed to continue raining today and tomorrow.... = (

    Do we learn anything from "The Learning Channel"

    YES of course we do!!!  I love the TLC network and have for years.  My favourite shows right now have to be "Little People Big World" and "What Not to Wear"... I learn a lot from these programs ... Stacey and Clinton help me know what to wear for my body type ... the Roloff's, what do they teach me ... well first to clean up after myself ... wow ... did anyone tell this family that a tv crew would be filming them ... they may have wanted to pick up a few things ???  No but seriously, I love this family, with being visually "different" they are so normal and loving.

    Janet on Tour!!

    Janet Jackson
    SHE'S GOING ON TOUR....AND I HAVE TO GOOOOOO!!! 
    There are a few must see artists that I've yet the opportunity to go and see in concert.  Celine Dion for example is one of those artists that people like to make fun of....but speaking honestly, I am a fan and have been since the early 90's.  She's an amazing vocalis

    Your fav eco friendly songs...

    I found this cool article online today written by Mike Devlin at http://www.canada.com/, it was called  "Top 10 eco-friendly rock songs".  In honour of Earth Day today, he wrote this list of the top 10 rock songs that were both PRO EARTH and made an impact musically.  My fav is Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell.

    1. Bruce Cockburn, "If a Tree Falls" (1988)

    Songwriters and environmentalists love Cockburn equally, for his music represents unflinching activism. It's an ugly job, so give Cockburn credit. Without his many ecological laments -- of which "If a Tree Falls" ranks near the tippy-top -- our world would be a much colder place.

    Desperate for housewives???

    I'll try and talk about the show without giving anything away.....

    Ok, did you watch Deperate Housewives yesterday??  It was good...I feel like there's a bit too much going on though.  Too many outstanding story lines and I'm afraid that no one story line will get the attention it deserves.  

    Gabby is starting to annoy me a bit....the whole "handicap" parking space thing that she's trying to pull is annoying me.  Come on we all know that Gabby is shallow but lets give her a better story line then that.....

    This is TORTURE!!

    I feel trapped inside a cage today!!!  I wanna go out and play in the sun!!!  The worst is, I was out on a patio an hour ago and now I'm inside...too bad I couldn't take this show on the road!!!

    Enjoy your Friday!! 

     

    Come chat with me online...

    102.9 K-Litefm is now offering you the chance to chat with us!!  If you log on to www.k-litefm.com you'll notice a "chat" tab near the top of the homepage.  From there you'll find our chat schedule.  You can chat with me every Monday afternoon at 1pm, just before I go on the air at 2pm.  Take a break from work, grab a coffee or a snack and we can chat about anything and everything...well to a certain degree I guess...lol...But maybe what I'll do is bring up a topic and we can discuss it.  Anyway, look forward to chatting online with you all!!  See ya Monday's at 1pm!!

    Biggest Loser...WOW!!

    OMG, did you watch the season finale of Biggest Loser???!!!  We did it, finally a female was won!!!!!

    32 year old Ali went from 234 pounds to 122 pounds....that's 112 POUNDS LOST!!!!!!!  But she's also gained....a whopping $250,000 grand prize!!  Her goal going into this competition was to lose weight for obvious reason, but also her personal goal was to wear sleeveless shirts...ummm yeah...she sure can now with all the confidence in the world...she's got amazing toned arms now!!!

    I've watched all 5 seasons of the Biggest Loser and I must say Ali's journey has really affected me the most.  Watching her struggles and her triumphs has encouraged me on my own journey.  What an amazing transformation!!!!

    Clearing the mind with exercise...

    I am so proud of myself I went for jog today!!  Not really quite sure how far I went...but I jogged for approx 1 hour with 2 short walking breaks to stretch and catch my breath.    I really enjoyed it, it was cleansing, invigorating and relaxing at the same time.  Although now I find my left hip really needs a good stretch....I know I didn't stretch enough before I left the house...not smart I know!!

    Get out and enjoy this weather, we've all been craving it for so long!!!!  BTW...I'm wearing sandals today...it's only 11 degrees...but I don't care, I got a pedicure last week in anticipation to this great weather...and I must tell you it feels amazing to not be wearing socks!!! 

    Supercities Walk to end MS

    Congratulations to everyone who took part and walked to end MS yesterday in the Supercities Walk for MS.  Over 160 communities took part in the walk and something like 70,000 participants, raised a huge amount of money for a very important cause.  The effects of multiple sclerosis are physical, emotional, financial, and last a lifetime. There is no cure.

    If you still want to donate to the MS Society of Canada, click here.

    It's a blah day...

    On days like this when it's foggy, rainy and cold we sometimes need something to inspire us.  I received an email yesterday and I wanted to pass it along, as it created an "ah ha" moment for me.

    A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university lecturer. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.  Offering his guests coffee, the lecturer went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling them to help themselves to hot coffee.

    La la la la la la la life is wonderful!!!

    Today has been one of those days where I just can't help but smile.... = )  I opened up some windows in the house this morning and opened up the blinds, let the sunshine fill each room and I cleaned!!!  A bit of spring cleaning is theraputic I think...and this coming from the girl who dislikes cleaning. Cleaning usually puts me in a bad mood but today, it was such a nice, refreshing experience!!!  Take a deep breath with me...breathe in.....come on...seriously do it with me....breathe in.........out.........in...........out........ahhhhhhhh.......so relaxing!!!!!! Now smile with me!

    Bikini or Full Bathing Suit?

    If you're one of the lucky ones who are able to wear a bikini....I envy you!!!!!!!!  I have always wanted to be able to wear one, but I'm so not there yet.  A few more hundred hours on the treadmill and plenty more protein and veggies...and maybe one day I'll have the courage to wear one. 

    But unlike years ago where I wouldn't even be caught dead in a full bathing suit without a long t-shirt...I am now able to wear a tankini...love them!!!  Who ever invented that design is brilliant!!!  So now that spring is here...summer is right around the corner...so what type of bathing suit will you be wearing?

    JUNOS

    Did you watch the Juno Awards last night?  If you missed it you missed a really good show.  I thought it flowed really well and the host Russell Peters was really funny and a great host.  There was a lot of entertainment with excellent performances.  And winners...well...Celine lead with 6 nominations..but won NONE...Feist won all 5 she was nominated for ... Michael Buble won the Fan Choice award and oh yeah Serena Ryder won New Artist of the year award...so many winners.  The full list of winners should be up on www.juno-awards.ca soon.

    Let's join together and clean up!

    Join your friends and neighbours and Pitch-In!

    Pitch-In Hamilton! - April 21 - 27, 2008

    Would you like to beautify your community and help the environment?  Then gather a group to ‘pitch-in' and organize a clean up of visible litter in your neighbourhood. 

    Bring a group of friends. Gather some neighbours. Get your teammates together. Organize your club members, church congregation, neighbourhood association. Hamilton's Clean City Liaison Committee invites you to join in and Pitch-In Hamilton!

    Come and see me sing!

    I'd love for you to come and see me sing next Saturday.  Myself and 4 other very talented guys will be performing together as a band for the very first time.  We call ourselves the "Aiko and the Take Cover Band" LOL!!!

    The performance is Saturday April 12th in Toronto at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 8pm - midnight in the Heritage Lounge.


    Anyway, it should be a lot of fun. There will be food and drinks to purchase with a $5 cover...and yes we will be singing english songs!!!

    The J.C.C.C is located near the DVP and Wynford Drive:
    Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
    6 Garamond Court, Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5
    tel: 416.441.2345
    fax: 416.441.2347


    Hope to see you there!!!

    I love the sun!

    Sunshine makes all the difference don't you find??!!!  With Spring FINALLLLLYYYY here I can't help but thinking of warmer tempuratures and beautiful sunshine...makes me smile.  With the longer than normal winter and the record snowfall, the sunshine is just what I need. 

    You and I both know that sunshine can cheer us up on a bad day, it makes us feel nice and warm inside...but did you know that sunshine can also help our bodies!!

    Scientists believe sunlight may reduce the risk of several types of cancer.  Recent studies have found that sunlight can help protect you from cancer of the:

    Spring Shopping in Hamilton

    Where are your favourite spots to shop in Hamilton?

    Another Toy Recall

    Mega Brands reports a global recall ...

    Exciting News...

    So much to talk about today...

    Oscar losers get SWAG BAGS!!

    No gold OSCAR?  How about a gift bag?

    Babies Babies Babies ...

    and more babies babies babies...

    Lets hear it for MARCH!!

    Spring is right around the corner!

    Yoga!

    I started my first yoga class yesterday...

    Valentine's Day

    To give or not to give ??

    Aiko Live on Remote

    Come and see me this SATURDAY!

    February Blahs

    It's that time of year again...

    Christmas Shopping!!

    Can you believe it...I'm pretty much done ALL my Christmas Shopping!!!!!!  I am still looking for a Nintendo Wii....I know...good luck right!!  I haven't given up hope...I'm still loolking!!!

    Now all I have to do is wrap alllllll the gifts.....the least of my favorite things to do during the holidays!!!! 

     

    Come and see me!!

    Ok, so I'm hoping you can come by and see me this Saturday (Nov. 24th).  I'll be live on location at the BMO Bank of Montreal - Ancaster Branch, 737 Golf Links Road.

    From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, BMO Bank of Montreal invites you to join them for a Grand Opening barbeque at their new Ancaster Branch in the Meadowlands Power Centre. 

    If you've got hockey fans in your family then you've got to come down and see hockey greats - Johnny Bower and Mike Palmateer they'll be signing autographs between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm!   The kids will also love   BMO the Bear.   

    Opening of the Red Hill Valley Parkway

    The Red Hill Valley Parkway is scheduled to open this Saturday Nov. 17th. 

    The north bound lanes (coming from the Mountain towards the lake ) will be open at 8am and then south bound lanes shortly after. 

    Keep in mind **  The Niagara Bound QEW on ramp to the southbound Red Hill Valley Parkway will remain closed until Fall 2008 - due to MTO construction.  However the Red Hill Valley Parkway exit ramps to both QEW Toronto and Niagara will be open. 

     

    Holidays...

     

    Well all this talk about the K-Flight Boarding call ... I couldn't help it, I'm going away!!!   I'm heading off to the Mayan Riviera for a week and will be back on Tuesday Nov. 13th!!  So what am I going to do while I'm down there you ask ... well ... I'm planning some intense tanning by the pool and beach (wearing proper sunscreen of course!) ... some tourist shopping perhaps ... enjoy the cuisine and beverages ... and most of all RELAX !!!!!  I'll make sure to post some pictures of my trip!!  Dave Shuttleworth and John Biggs will be filling in for me...hope you enjoy there company!! See you in just over a week!!!  Adios Amigos!!! 

    Me Pregnant!

    This is what I would look like Preggers!!  Happy Halloween!!

    Aiko Preggers 2

     

    Halloween

    I'm Pregnant!!!!  Well...not really pregnant...but that's my halloween costume today!!  I won't have pictures up until probably tomorrow...but I thought I would post my picture from last year.  This is me as an Asian Glenda the Good Witch!!

    Aiko Glenda Witch

    Halloween!

    To dress up or to not dress up ... for Halloween ... that is the question!!??!!  I say go for it!!!!  Here at the radio station we're making an event out of it!!  Everyone gets candy and has a ton of fun!!!  I'll make sure to post pictures tomorrow!!!

    This Thanskgiving...

    This Thanksgiving...I am thankful for my family, my friends and my health.  These 3 things help me stay positive!!  Now bring on the turkey, mashed potatoes, turnip and gravey = )

    Hamilton Magazine!!

    I'm so excited!!  I am featured in the new fall/winter issue of "HAMILTON MAGAZINE"!!

    Please go to these 2 links to see the front cover and my article inside:

    Wow it's such a huge honour to be included in Hamilton Magazine.  I still can't believe it.  The day of my photo shoot I couldn't stop laughing...I was giddy because it was such a surreal exerience.  I really, really, really want to thank Carrie at Pure NV Salon and Spa....she's the greatest!!  She did my hair (I love hair extensions!!) and my makeup!!!  I also want to thank Alisha the photographer...WOW...Alisha you can really work magic with that camera!!!  One last person, thank you David for such a delightful article!! I will cherish the experience forever...I felt like a superstar!!!

    Fall 2007!

    Wow...you can feel it in the air....fall is right around the corner...in just over a week actually.  Monday September 23rd we welcome the new season. 

    I love fall...but I like this type of fall weather... sunshine, 22 degrees...not the rainy, cold fall. 

    Drop me an email at aiko@k-litefm anytime, would love to hear from you!!

    All I Ever Wanted

    OMG I couldn't stop crying last night while watching Brian Melo win Canadian Idol! His first single "All I Ever Wanted" was so moving...especially when he went out into the audience and embraced his family!!!  Oh and then when he hugged his mom and dad...whew...I almost lost it watching his mom with tears streaming from her eyes and his dad so proud...it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN!

    Brian Melo Wins 

    Wow was it ever hard to vote!

    I got on the phone last night as soon as Canadian Idol was finished and started dialing Brian Melo's toll free number...first time, no problem I got right through...but then...it was busy, busy again, again and again...it was extremely difficult to get my votes in last night...which is a good sign...everyone was voting for Melo!!!!  Now we wait!!  I hate waiting = (

    Final Two!

    Ok so the final 3 contestants sang on Canadian Idol last night.   They each had to sing a fans choice and a judges choice.  All three had solid performances which is a little scary, it all comes down to the votes!  Catch the results show tonight at 8pm!!

    GO BRIAN!!!!!!!!!!!

    Watch CityQuest on Cable 14!

    Watch CityQuest on Cable 14!

    To read my full blog..click on latest blog quote 

    Please support me in CITYQUEST!! 

    Alright team "STANDARD RADIO"!!!  On August 18th I was hononored to be apart of a city wide scavenger hunt in support of the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. 

    CITYQUEST was an  event, made up of teams of local sport celebrities, city officials, local media, community leaders and others competing against each other and the clock in a scavenger hunt across the city of Hamilton.  Each team had to collect as many items as possible and earn as many points as they could. The winning team is determined by the most points.

    Long...long...weekend

    Can you believe it's the August Civic Holiday long weekend already!  

    The good news is, we've got great weather coming our way, perfect for camping, hanging out by the pool, patio and going to local festivals.

    I'll be heading out to Port Perry to a friends cottage so I'm looking foward to relaxing by Lake Scugog.  Dave Shuttleworth will also be filling in for me next week as I squeeze in some holidays!!

    I'll see you on Monday August 13th!  Email me at anytime at aiko@k-litefm.com

    Hot enough for ya!??!!

    Boy this heat is really taking a toll on me!  The air is so heavy it's difficult just to walk outside.  With the humidity it feels like 36 degrees!!!  So just remember, to take it easy!  Risk of heat-related illness can be reduced by following these recommendations:

    • Stay cool - if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, visit a local public space that has air conditioning such as a shopping mall or library.
    • Stay well-hydrated - drinking plain water is best or diluted fruit juice is also good. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.
    • Use electric fans with caution.

    The Simpsons!

    Are you a Simpsons fan??!!  Well I must admit I am too and I'm realy excited that The Simpsons movie is finally in theatres!!  If you're a true fan you'll appreciate this...On a recent road trip to Chicago I actually found a 7-11 turned into a Kwick E Mart!!  Here are some of the pictures that we took..make sure you see all of them, there are 4 pictures posted .... you may need to click on read more a the bottom ....
    Donut 95x95  Yes this donut is 'real' and was soooooo good...
    Bart and Milhouse 95x95 Oh Bart and Milhouse....always up to something!
    Kwick E Mart 95x95  See it really was a Kwick E Mart!!  Who needs the Kwick E Mart ...

    Melo Heads!

    Melo Heads unite!!

    Make sure to vote for Brian Melo on Canadian Idol tonight...the top 10 sing #1 hits.  Then on the results show tomorrow Rhianna will perform!!

    My addiction to reality tv continues...this summer I'm glued to 'So you think you can dance', 'Big Brother', 'Age of Love', 'Hells Kitchen' and of course Canadian Idol!!  So much to watch so little time...good thing I've got DVR!!!  What a life saver! 

     

     

     

    Hamilton's Idol

    Well he did it!  He's through to the next round of Canadian Idol.  Hamilton's 24 year old Brian Melo has now made it to the top 18.  Zach has predicted that Brian will make top 10!

    Vote for Brian Melo ... our next Canadian Idol ????   

     

    Canadian Idol Season 5!

    You know me...addicted to reality tv!

    Watch for Hamiltonian Brian Melo on Canadian Idol this season...he made it to the final 22.  So make sure you vote...he's really talented!!

    Driving without air conditioning!!

    Remember these days ... and if you're living them .. I fell your pain!

    I was just telling someone that this summer will be my first summer driving a car with "air conditioning"!  I'm so excited!!  I've had cars in the past with "air" but not "working" air. 

    I remember this one time in band camp (kidding = ).... I was driving into Toronto on what must have been the hottest day of the summer -high 30 with humidity 36 - sitting in bumper to bumper traffic with the heat just rising from the black asphalt...no breeze what so ever....my heat turned on high because my thermostat was broken and to avoid my car overheating, I had to turn my car into a mobile sauna!  I remember arriving to my destination, exhausted, drenched, wilted and overheated!

    Youth vs Personality on American Idol??!!??

    I can not believe it!  My Melinda Doolittle got voted off American Idol last night!  Honestly I'm in shock - I thought she was a brilliant singer! 

    Ok so it comes down to Jordin or Blake....hmmmm....

    Jordin - Young, fun, great singer a long pop career ahead of her

    Blake - Young, fun, talented creative artist

    Tough call ... I'm going to go with JORDIN!! 

     

    Spring has sprung....

    I can't believe how fast the trees have bloomed!  It seems like it happened overnight.  Driving into work heading up the Cenntennial Prkwy hill the trees along the escarpment are just beautiful and I can even find beauty in the danelions!  The centre grass along Mud Street is just covered with bright yellow flower tops!  It really looks like they've been designed to grow that way. 

     Well I'm working hard in my garden at home.  I've planted some bulbs which I can't remember the name of the flower, but on the package the picture of them looked beautiful so I bought them!!  Half the battle around this time of year is all the weeding and the clean up!  Oh well, it's great exercise! 

    New Reality Show!

    Have you ever wanted to be a part of a reality show - well now here's your chance!! 

    Phil Keoghan executive producer and host of the Amazing Race is looking for Canadians to be a part of his new reality show for the CBC called "No Opportunity Wasted". 

    The show itself will give people the opportunity to complete a 72-hour, life-changing challenge that involves either conquering a lifelong fear or doing something to benefit others.

    If you want to compete in this new reality show then get ready to impress the "host" himself- this is your chance to meet him face to face and convince him that you've got what it takes to be a contestant!

    Another Grey Day!

    Another rainy cold day to get through!  The good news is the farmers almanac is predicting above normal "hot" tempuratures for mid May!!!  Can't wait!!  The count down in on for June 21st - the first day of summer 2007!!

    Celine Dion & Elvis

    Catch American Idol tonight and watch a history making duet with Celion Dion and Elvis Presley.  2 hour episode "Idol Gives Back" starts at 8pm!

    Celine Dion & Elvis

    Catch American Idol tonight and watch a history making duet with Celion Dion and Elvis Presley.  2 hour episode "Idol Gives Back" starts at 8pm!

    Celine Dion & Elvis

    Catch American Idol tonight and watch a history making duet with Celion Dion and Elvis Presley.  2 hour episode "Idol Gives Back" starts at 8pm!

    Celine Dion & Elvis

    Catch American Idol tonight and watch a history making duet with Celion Dion and Elvis Presley.  2 hour episode "Idol Gives Back" starts at 8pm!

    Celine Dion & Elvis

    Catch American Idol tonight and watch a history making duet with Celion Dion and Elvis Presley.  2 hour episode "Idol Gives Back" starts at 8pm!

    Warmer weather ..

    As the weather seems to be taking a turn for the better lately, I've revisited my goal of starting to tackle one of the four sets of stairs up/down the escarpement in our beautiful city!! 

     It seems to be such a fun way to exercise and I've heard it's meditative ... well we'll see about that when I'm in pain climbing up the stairs!! 

    I'll let you know how I make out!   

     

     

    American Idol ....

    Some people were upset, some were happy to see Sanjaya get voted off American Idol last night!  Myself, I'm just happy because Melinda is still there! Who are you cheering for?

    Hey remember to email me at aiko@k-litefm.com subject line "5 o'clock favourite songs".  I'll play them for you weekdays right after the 5pm news! 

    5 o'clock favourite songs!

    Hi there!  Just another grey overcast day here in Hamilton - but good news "warmer weather" on the way this weekend!!

    Remember to email me your 3 favourite songs and we'll play them for you during your drive home weekdays right after the 5pm news.  Email me at aiko@k-litefm.com "subject line - 5 o'clock songs". 

    Hmmm I wonder who will get voted off American Idol tonight???