The paradigm is that Politics and Religion are taboo subjects among friends and dinner conversations. However, many of our friends and neighbours have been adversely affected by Ontario's Liberal Government, so I will share my opinion. Today is a big day in our Province as the Budget is presented... if it's turned down, then an election will ensue. The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has already said they will turn it down. But the decision will remain with the NDP, as the Liberals need one party to align with them to pass it. Sadly, the smallest voice is again the loudest (Seat Count: Liberal 51, PC 36, NDP 18, Vacant 2). Most likely the flood gates for further negotiation between NDP and Liberals will open, and this will drag out for weeks. But my hope is that the NDP will align with the PC's, and will let Ontario Decide. 18 people have a lot of power today. We ask of them... let Ontario Decide.
Facebook Social Media Joke - It's my April Fools Birthday!
Ultrasound pics of twins, engagement ring photos, texts turning into Rick Roll'd, and more, the day of International prank-pulling was filled with jokes, gags and more in Fun. I think Eastern Canada got the biggest gag by Mother Nature... Snow Squall Warnings and tons of blowing snow filled the day as the grass was covered with about an inch of snow, 12 days into Spring.
I had fun on Facebook for April Fool's Day. Late on April Fool's Day Eve I switched my Birthday to April 1st. Around 10pm, shortly after the switch, people started wishing me an early birthday... I played along well into the wee hours liking and commenting the posts.
By noon, over 180 people had wished me a Happy Birthday. Kinda known for my sense of humour, some said, "No surprise your birthday is on April Fools' Day!". One former colleague whom we had shared a joint birthday liquid lunch 7 years ago had forgotten that day. Someone who has bought me tons of Birthday Beer at the Port Perry Bull Riding (my usual Birthday) wrote congratulations. It carried over to twitter, text message and email.
At the Uxbridge Horsemen's Association's 2012 Everything Equine Show I was tasked with sound for the ring all day, announcing and sound for the Bull Riding, and my favourite, play the role of Rodeo Clown as well. It's a fun challenge which I have accomplished in the past, but no performance may be the same, so... I did a puppet show.
A videographer had fun with the audio-track and some craziness... so, I present:
Joe Scully - 5-time ORA Mick Flick Award Recipient
The Ontario Rodeo Association presents an award annually in honour of Mick Flick, a New York State cowboy who spent a lot of time in the Ontario Rodeo Association as an avid competitor, and transitioned to also become a stoic judge. Tragically, Mick was diagnosed with cancer in August of 1972, and fought for 27 months until his passing in November of 1974. Since his passing, the award in his honour has been presented 39-times to 29 different recipients.. It's awarded to the "Cowboy Most Representative of the Sport of Rodeo" by the Membership selecting the nominees and the ORA Board voting on the recipients.
At the Ontario Finals Rodeo in Ancaster I accepted this award for the 5th time. It was not expected, though my appreciation is great.
Professional Rodeo Announcer Joe Scully, ProRodeo MC Featured on #RodeoChat
Recently my social media friend Paige Gregory asked if I would be interested in doing #rodeochat, a weekly Tweet-Up discussion with members of the Rodeo Community. The premise was #myOFR (Ontario Finals Rodeo) and what goes into it from an announcer perspective... to be able to talk twitter, Ontario Rodeo and Announcing... I was in.
Of course, scheduling got a lil' whacky, so, while running cable and setting speakers, I would duck around a corner to tweet my answers; so compounded with tweets being 140 characters or less with the need to multi-task, my answers weren't as deep and profound as normal, but it was still a great experience.
