Trump, Jeffries, Fiddlers and more Podge stuff
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
Like a bad cold or an annoying fruit fly, Donald Trump never seems to go away – even when he’s been kicked out the door.
Thankfully, this time he is in the news for all the right reasons – that are wrong. The arrogant, deranged former U.S. President has finally been charged with 34 felony counts and is now facing the courts. The ‘fake’ news is bad news for the Donald and good news for Americans who want to be proud of their country.
Like many Canadians, I wonder why it took the U.S. system so long to indite the man for his actions; however, I’m relieved it has finally happened. Donald will be sworn to tell the truth (if he knows how) and testify. There is no more running or denying his indictable actions which will be carefully listened to by those in the decision-making seats, and then face the consequences of his bullying behaviour. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving person.
Unfortunately, the legal scenario may take until December to really heat up in the courts again.
I look forward to seeing the end results of his myopic and often hurtful charades.
The presiding judge overwatching the presenting of the 34 counts against Trump warned him to watch his mouth when released from the court room. The first former president to ever be criminally charged wasted no time shooting off at the lip that the DA was a ‘racist.’
His felony charges were linked to his alleged falsifying of business records to commit and conceal crimes.
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On a more positive note, but staying in the world of rough and tumble, full headlock congratulations go out to a lifelong friend Kevin Jeffries.
Kevin was just named the 2023 Referee Award winner by the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC).
Say what? The who?
The Cauliflower Alley Club is a non-profit fraternal organization, which includes a newsletter and website, comprising both retired and active professional wrestlers and boxers in North America.
Kevin’s both wrestled and refereed for many years before ending up in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as an adjudicator in the 1980’s. The CAC’s referee award, named after wrestling veteran Charlie Smith, is presented to a referee who has shown his/her professionalism, commitment, and enthusiasm for the sport. Jefferies, who has been a referee for more than 40 years, has earned the respect of wrestlers, promoters, and fans alike for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the matches he oversees.
According to the CAC, “Throughout his career, Jefferies has been known for his quick thinking, his attention to detail, and his unwavering commitment to fairness.”
Kevin has refereed matches for All Star Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and other organizations and always played a crucial role in ensuring that the action in the ring is always safe, fair and on track.
The CAC also said, “The Charlie Smith Referee Award is a fitting recognition of Jefferies’ contributions to the sport and a testament to the impact he’s had on the goings on inside the ropes of the matches he’s officiated, including being the third man in the ring during a Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy match on a nationally broadcast Saturday Night’s Main Event.”
I’ve known Kevin since he was seven or eight and I hung out with his older brother Rob, then later in a Martial Arts dojo. We use to want to suggest to him that All Star Wrestling was mostly fake, but none of us had the intestinal fortitude to do so.
Certainly, Kevin was a skilled wrestler, very athletic and a superb referee. Congratulates Kevin on being chosen as the 2023 Charlie Smith Referee Award Winner. Well done my friend.
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On a different note, literally – want to fiddle around?
The Kelowna Branch of B.C. Old Time Fiddlers would like to fiddle with you and promise it will be a lot of fun.
Actually, you do not have to play the fiddle or actually play anything to join the group – they are happy to teach you. What you have to have is a desire to take part, learn, and have fun.
The Fiddlers are actively seeking out new and returning members. Join them for practices Tuesday evenings at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 130 McCurdy Road.
Old Time Fiddlers primarily play old time dance music and traditional tunes, including songs from Don Messer, Graham Townsend, Al Cherney, Andy DeJarlis and many more, continuing to expand and grow their repertoire. There is no age limit for members or skill level just the desire to play.
The Fiddlers hold a monthly dance every third Friday with the next one set for April 21 at 7 p.m. at Club 17 1353 Richter St. Your invited to waltz, fox trot, two step polka, or just plain old boogie the night away. Dance instruction is also available.
For more information email kelownaoldtimefiddlers@gmail.com or call (250) 859-2713.
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I’m compiling suggestions for an upcoming ‘Best Of’ column helping tourist and locals find great locations for food, pubs and unique retail.
Send me a list of your favourite dining areas for traditional, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Greek…food, sports bars, unique brew pubs or other places to quench your thirst. I will use them in my upcoming column. Email me at charliehodge333@gmail.com
