Tuesday, February 27, 2024

CFPL TV Chronicles: Lemon Caper

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: The Great Lemon Caper – When Pranks Hit FYI News"

Fasten your seatbelts, dear readers, as we delve into the next chapter of CFPL TV Chronicles – an adventure filled with tricks, pranks, and a glass of hot water that left the newsroom steaming!

Our unsuspecting hero? The impeccable news anchor, Jack Nixon – a man known for his sharp dressing and perfectionist tendencies. With the six o'clock news being a live affair, there was no room for mistakes or retakes. Little did Jack know that a mischievous plot was brewing backstage, orchestrated by none other than the merry band of tricksters: Tim C. (props), Ted H. (camera), Cookie (camera), Spoiler (audio), John M. (director), and The Baron (lighting).

One fateful night, as Jack prepared for the live broadcast, the mischievous crew concocted a plan to replace his trademark glass of water with a steaming concoction of hot water and lemon juice. Oh, the audacity!

As the red light signaled the start of the live broadcast, Jack, ever the consummate professional, took a sip, only to be met with the unexpected sour zing of lemon-infused warmth. The crew, hidden behind the scenes, stifled their laughter as Jack's perfectly poised demeanor wavered for just a moment.

Tim C., in props, exchanged knowing glances with Teddy H., Cookie and Mort the camera wizards, as Spoiler, the audio genius, struggled to contain his mirth. Meanwhile, The Baron, the lighting maestro, orchestrated the ambiance, casting a spotlight on the unfolding hilarity.

In the director's control room, John M., with a twinkle in his eye, watched the scene play out like a well-rehearsed comedy sketch. The news set had turned into a stage, and Jack Nixon was unwittingly the star of the Lemon Caper – a prank that would go down in CFPL history.

As the broadcast continued, Jack, ever the professional, soldiered on, showcasing his ability to roll with the punches, or in this case, the unexpected taste of lemon-infused warmth. Little did he know, the entire crew was on the verge of bursting into laughter behind the scenes.

The Lemon Caper became the stuff of legend at CFPL, whispered about in the corridors and celebrated as a triumph of wit and camaraderie. It was a moment that showcased the vibrant spirit of the CFPL family – where even the news anchor was not spared from the playful antics that kept the studio alive with laughter.

Join us in the next installment of CFPL TV Chronicles, where we'll uncover more tales of mischief, camaraderie, and the unexpected moments that made CFPL a legendary chapter in the history of television.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: The Red Lounge.

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: The Red Lounge Revelry"

Ahoy, dear readers! Get ready for another uproarious chapter in the legendary CFPL TV Chronicles, where the behind-the-scenes antics of the crew take center stage. Today, we unfold the shadowy tale of "The Red Lounge" – a clandestine haven of camaraderie and laughter that defied the no-alcohol rule in the most creative way.

In the hallowed halls of the London Free Press publishing company, whether you were from radio, television, or the newspaper, one golden rule stood tall: no alcohol was allowed in any of the buildings. However, where there's a will, there's a workaround, and we, the mischievous crew, found our loophole – and it was called "The Red Lounge."

Picture this: a nondescript parking lot and therein parked a grand chariot – a big white 1965 Pontiac Parisienne convertible with a dazzling red interior. Cookie, the master of nicknames (Bill C.), promptly dubbed it the "Red Lounge," and thus, a legendary venue was born. To avoid any possible recrimination, we won't mention the owner's name.

The Red Lounge, with its Chesterfield-sized seats, could comfortably cradle six souls, and if the need arose, it could squeeze in a seventh. It was a BYOB affair, as each crew member brought their beverage of choice to enjoy during those sacred moments of respite.

Now, imagine the scene: the crew gathered around The Red Lounge, clinking bottles, and reveling in the forbidden thrill of enjoying a cold one during breaks. Laughter echoed in the air as tales of the day's escapades mingled with the bubbly effervescence of the beers. It was a makeshift oasis where camaraderie flourished, and the mundane no-alcohol rule became a humorous challenge to outwit.

As the clock ticked closer to the eleven o'clock news production, the crew, fortified by a few "bubblies" from The Red Lounge, returned to the studio with a renewed vigor, ready to tackle the challenges of live television.

The Red Lounge became a symbol of defiance, a haven where rules bent under the weight of laughter and shared moments. Join me in the next installment of CFPL TV Chronicles, where we'll unravel more tales of wit, camaraderie, and the unexpected gems that made CFPL a place where even parking lots transformed into legendary lounges of revelry.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

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Monday, February 12, 2024

Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Cousin Henry's Fiery Fiasco

 

Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Cousin Henry's Fiery Fiasco - A Spicy Affair Beyond the Studio

Dear readers, get ready for a comical detour into the world of hot peppers, unexpected pain, and a burst of laughter in the midst of an ordinary summer afternoon. Join us in this side-splitting tale from the CFPL TV Chronicles, featuring the knowledgeable and somewhat stern Glen Robitaille, also known as "Robbie."

Now, Robbie, a two-time recipient of the Keith S. Rogers Award, presented by Canadian General Electric for outstanding contributions to Broadcasting in Canada – one for his leadership as the first chairman of the association of Central Canada Broadcasters Engineers (CCBE), and the second for his design and installation of the unattended night-time operation of radio station CFPL’s Studio. He certainly exuded an air of stern professionalism. Even Wendy Taleski who's family, were lucky to have Robbie as their next-door neighbor, couldn't help but address him as "Mister Robitaille." Robbie, the esteemed Director of Engineering at CFPL TV and CFPL Radio, was a by-the-book professional.

Little did they know that behind his reserved demeanor lay a love for fiery red peppers from his very own garden.

One sunny afternoon, Robbie decided to share the spicy bounty with our family. Armed with hot red peppers, he stepped into their abode, unknowingly setting the stage for an impromptu hot pepper party. Wendy's dad, Howard, being the gracious host, offered Robbie a refreshing beer, and soon enough, the gathering transformed into a lively affair of taste-testing and spicy discussions.

Enter Wendy's cousin Henry, a visitor from Montreal, blissfully unaware of the fiery fate that awaited him. Eager to join the festivities, he enthusiastically joined the hot pepper evaluation. Curiosity piqued, he ventured to sample the peppers, unleashing a cascade of fiery consequences.

Having enjoyed the peppers, Henry found himself in need of a bathroom break. Little did he know that this seemingly routine act would transform into a moment of temporary agony and boundless amusement. In a classic case of spice meets sensitivity, Henry emerged from the bathroom in considerable discomfort.

It turned out that the fiery residue from the peppers lingered on Henry's hands, leading to an unintended spicy encounter during his restroom visit. The once-jovial gathering erupted into fits of laughter as Henry recounted his spicy misadventure.

Amid the laughter, the ever-responsible Robbie stepped forward, taking full responsibility for bringing the peppers and expressing heartfelt apologies while trying not to laugh. The embarrassing episode became a cherished memory, transcending the confines of CFPL TV and weaving itself into our family's collection of humorous anecdotes.

And so, dear readers, this spicy escapade serves as a reminder that laughter knows no boundaries, transcending even the most unexpected and unrelated moments in the grand tapestry of life. Stay tuned for more amusing tales from the CFPL TV Chronicles, where laughter and spice abound around every corner.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.

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Monday, February 5, 2024

Title: CFPL TV Chronicles: Sunshine, Fish, and the Not-So-Cool Brew

 

Title: "CFPL TV Chronicles: Sunshine, Fish, and the Not-So-Cool Brew – Frank Proctor's Fish Tale"

In the whimsical world of CFPL TV Chronicles, even the beloved Mr. Hoolihan had his moments of misadventure. Imagine this – a sunny day, the promise of bass fishing, and the unmistakable hum of Frank Proctor's little MG sports car zipping towards Goderich. Little did we know, this escapade would become a fish tale for the ages.


Frank, the lovable character behind "Mr. Hoolihan" on the Sunshine School children's show, was in his twenties, and I, his trusty companion for the day, eagerly joined him for a shore fishing adventure. The plan was simple – cast our lines, reel in a few bass, and bask in the joy of a successful fishing trip.

As the sun danced on the water and the anticipation of a fruitful day grew, we made our way to Goderich's shores. Armed with fishing gear and the hopeful spirit of anglers, we cast our lines from the dock and the riverbank, hooking a couple of promising fish that hinted at a delicious end to our adventure.


However, fate had other plans. The lure of the Bedford Hotel, nestled conveniently on the circle, proved too strong to resist. "Just one beer," we reasoned, as the little MG sports car waited patiently in the sun, blissfully unaware of the events unfolding within the confines of the tavern.

One beer turned into two, and two into a lingering afternoon of camaraderie and laughter. The little car, now basking in the unrelenting sun for hours, became an unwitting accomplice in our unintentional fishy fiasco. As we emerged from the tavern, our joyous tales and refreshed spirits quickly turned to a sobering realization – the fish we had so proudly caught were now casualties of our leisurely detour.


The once-promising bass, now rendered unappetizing by the unrelenting sun, became a humorous footnote in our day of adventure. Frank's infectious laughter echoed through Goderich as we shrugged off the misfortune, content with the unexpected memories etched into the pages of CFPL TV Chronicles.

So, dear readers, join me in raising a glass to Frank Proctor's fish tale – a lighthearted escapade that turned a simple fishing trip into a comedic journey of sun-soaked mishaps. In next Tuesday's installment, we'll dive into more tales from the vibrant and occasionally fishy world of CFPL TV's past.

I'll try to post a new story every Tuesday morning.