The Mystery behind "the mykals report" Name

It was supposed to allow me to remain anonymous. Obviously that did not work.

Since I began blogging last October, I have been asked numerous times what "the mykals report" stood for. It is a long story that began in 1979 but I will be brief.

At the time I was in my second year in the Broadcasting program at the Doon campus of Conestoga College. I was already working part time as the evening operator (playing the music and commercials for the Announcers) at CKKW and CFCA in Kitchener (now changed to http://www.koolfm.com/). I was also the operator for Don Cameron who was the play-by-by Announcer for the Kitchener Ranger Hockey team broadcasts.

But as much as I enjoyed the job, I desperately wanted to be an on-air 'DJ'. That was the real reason I had gotten into broadcasting school.

I dreamed about being on-air. Talked about it constantly. Drove my fellow schoolmates and friends crazy.

I applied to all the radio stations within a reasonable driving distance from Kitchener...Brantford, Guelph even Hamilton. Created and endlessly updated my demo tape (yes, we used reel-to-reel tape in those days). Finally after months of 'no's, my persistence paid off. I got a call from the Program Director at CJOY in Guelph http://www.cjoy.com/home/default.aspx. Would I like the all-night weekend shift and could I start that weekend. Yes and yes!

Dream come true. For less pay and fewer hours but I didn't care, I was going to be a DJ!

But I needed an on-air name. Everybody did it. No one went on-air with their real names. After as much deliberation I could squeeze into the couple of days before I went on-air for the first time, I settled on 'Christopher Michaels". Shortened to 'Chris Michaels'.

A star was born...

OK, it was only Guelph, midnight to 6 am Friday and Saturday nights but I was the DJ! Thank you Gord Field, the Program Director at the time for believing in me.

Back to 'the mykals report' name. I wanted to remain anonymous. "Ahhh I thought...I can resurrect my old on-air name, 'Michaels'".

The blog name, "The Michael's Report" sounded official. Unfortunately it was taken. But never one to give up, I spelled it phonetically..."my-kals". A blog was born.

For those of you who have been following the blog for a while, you know that I stepped out from behind the mask some time ago. More fun that way.

It has been quite the journey over these past few months and as I ramp-up my fund raising efforts with the Reggae Marathon, it is likely to continue evolving.

Until next time...

PS: I wrote about the drive from Kitchener to Guelph in an earlier blog. That Plymouth Valiant sure was a good car http://mykalsreport.blogspot.com/2008/11/69-valiant.html

PPS: The picture is of the 1981 Radio and Television Broadcasting Graduating Class. Yes, I am in the picture :)

Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running – Vibram Five Fingers Are Worth It

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New shoes = Renewed inspiration

OK, it wasn't the shoes. Although the new Adidas Supernova's I picked up last week have solved the blistering problem, the run this morning with the Wasaga Beach Road Runners (logo looks great doesn't it) was truly inspiring. http://sites.google.com/site/wasagabeachroadrunners/

Not only did we get the run in before the rain, but met a new runner and had a great chat with him. Like me, he has been running for a number of years. Around 30 he figured.

In my case, I have been running regularly for about 25 years now. Although if you deduct the 18 months it took me to get hooked, it is more like 23 years. But this is not about me. (if you must revisit that story, check it out here: http://mykalsreport.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-it-started.html.

This gentleman was gracious. He paced me for much of the run. I had a feeling he was holding back. Thank you. :) I am still working up to both the pace and distance and appreciated the company.

At our first walk break I asked him when he started running. With no hesitation he casually responded, "Around age 42". Now I may not be the best at math, but it only took me a second to calculate that he was currently...72! I dam near fell down.

And I only want to finish a marathon!

"Mr X" (keeping his name confidential), you are truly an inspiration".

A final note, I have received tremendous response to my Father's Day post. Thank you all very much for your comments and direct emails. Remember to stay tuned for the announcement within a couple of weeks on where the fund raising efforts will be directed.

Until next time...

Negril vs Wasaga Beach ... You decide

OK, so it doesn't sound like a fair competition. Negril is several miles of white sand with the warm Caribbean water lapping the shores. All year. And what a perfect way to end a marathon run http://reggaemarathon.com/blog/.

Wasaga has over 10 miles of beach with the somewhat cooler water lapping gently against the shore. Not quite 12 months of the year. http://sites.google.com/site/wasagabeachroadrunners/

Both have their qualities. December 5th I'll have to make my choice. In the meantime, vote on your favourite. Just leave a comment in the space below.

And as promised, within a couple of weeks I will be announcing the fund raising association I will be supporting. Stay tuned. For now, please join me on facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=42928009310

In the meantime, enjoy the photos. And thanks for your support.

Until next time...