Halloween Is Here

   And as promised, I tried to go all out. Or, in this case, all outback! I came in "Aussie" this morning, complete with the corked hat, "tube" of "beer", shrimp on the Barbie (actually a lobster. She said she was from Sydney, but I didn't know she meant the one in Nova Scotia) and my didgeridoo. Which I can actually play. Sort of. I practised for 6 weeks, and can at least get the correct sounds out of it.
   I also brought in some "bush tucker" (actually Halloween treats) for my morning show matey Danny Ismond and mid-day host Tonya Cherry. There was even enough left over to drop some off at our sister station, Dingo.....sorry....Fox 94.2 FM!
   So, the question now is "what do I do for next year?" I'm thinking me and the other Craig should put our heads together and try to cobble something together. We've at least got a year to figure it out.
   I've already done something for Robbie Burns and St. Paddy's days, so I guess the next one is Valentines. I wonder where I can get an over sized diaper. And vastly over sized wings? Well, I've at least got a few months to think of something.
   Happy Halloween, and don't eat too many treats tonight!

TTFN

Hallowe'en Is Coming

   And this year, I've had time to prepare. Staff at the station I work for are encouraged to don costumes for Hallowe'en, and after last year, when I didn't have time to prepare, what I've got cooked up is the result of a year's planning.
   I'm not going into detail, but there will be music (I've been learning to play an instrument over the past 6 weeks, and can now get it to make more or less the proper sounds). There will also be food, and I plan on coming in "corked". There may also be some comedy involved
   That's about all I'm willing to say at this point, other than the fact I'm going to need a back-pack to bring everything in on Friday.
   Is this going to be scary? Only if you hear me try and play the instrument. I also have no illusions about winning the "contest" to see who has the best costume. I can say with almost absolute certainty I have no chance in hell of that happening.
   Last year (and with very little planning) I came in as a Zombie News Reader:

   This year, I'm coming as something a lot more alive.
   All will be revealed Friday! Mwaaahaahaa!!!!

TTFN

The Aftermath (Edited)

   You probably all know by now what happened in Ottawa on Parliament Hill yesterday. A lone man with a gun shot and killed an honour guard at the National War Memorial before running into Centre Block where he was shot and killed by the Sergeant At Arms, a former RCMP member with 29 years on the force. Some reports I've seen suggest as many as 50 shots were fired before the gunman was killed.
   Needless to say, the events have prompted (and rightly so) a complete review of security, not just in the nation's capital, but in all government buildings. In Saskatchewan, extra security and police sweeps were done ahead of the Throne Speech opening the fall session of the legislature yesterday. Events which were to have been held outdoors for the occasion were either moved inside, or scrubbed altogether. Security was also boosted in other provincial capitals, and at government buildings across the country. Flags at government buildings are also flying at half-mast in tribute to the slain soldier, reservist Nathan Cirillo:

(Photo from Nathan Cirillo's facebook page).
   GX94 Morning announcer Danny Ismond brought up a great point. He says "this is the face and name that should be mentioned and remembered not the coward that pulled the trigger". Truer words have never been spoken.
   Reaction, and condolences, have been pouring in from around the world. U.S President Barak Obama expressed his country's solidarity with Canada. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the attack underscores there are threats that all free nations face. The leaders of the 3 main parties in Canada all condemned the attack, adding the country will not bow down to terrorist activity.
   The shootings also prompted the NHL to postpone a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa. And in Pittsburgh, tribute was paid before the game:

   "O Canada" was also sung as part of the game opening ceremony.
   Where do we go from here? As mentioned, there will be a review of this, as officials try to find out how an armed man made it as far into the building as he did before being shot and killed.It goes without saying that security is going to be very tight from now on, as it already is in places like the U.S and Britain. Lessons will be learned.
   One thing is certain: Canada has been changed by this. For better or worse remains to be seen.

TTFN

A Dark Day In Ottawa---UPDATE 1

   One soldier standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa has been shot by a gunman who then proceeded to Parliament Hill, which was promptly placed on lock-down. Video taken at the scene shows police rushing down a corridor after a loud shot, and returning fire.
   One M.P says at least 30 shots were fired, and one report says there were 2 or possibly 3 individuals involved. One apparently was shot by an official in the parliament buildings, and policer now confirm that suspected gunman is dead.
   The Prime Minister was whisked away from the area to an undisclosed secure area, and the leaders of opposition parties, along with all M.P's, are reported safe
   Police in the nation's capital say there have been a total of 3 shootings.
   This story continues to develop.

TTFN

How's Your Driving?

   I admit it. I'm not the best driver out there. But I'm also far from the worst, and a question morning man Danny Ismond asked today sparked a lot of comment and debate. Basically, he wanted to find out what drives people nuts about other drivers?
   It was not an easy question to answer, either, since there are a few "pet peeves" I have about others who share the road with me. Driving too slow is one of them. I've seen people going 20 k/mh below the posted limit (usually when I'm stuck behind them) both in the city and on the highway. And since we don't have a 4-lane divided highway in and out of the city, it's quite a problem, especially when it comes to passing.
   True, there are passing lanes on highway 10 between Fort Qu'Appelle and Balgonie, but none anywhere else. Since I'm in the mood to make admissions, I might as well own up to these. I've been known to hurl a few colourful epithets, not to mention a wagging finger or 2, at other drivers. Especially those who don't go the speed limit.
   That also applies to drivers who don't move over to the right in the above mentioned passing zones after they've passed another vehicle. And especially to those who overtake, then slow down to 80 or 90 in a 100 zone!
   Maybe it's time for the provincial government to test drivers every 5 years, regardless of how long they've been behind the wheel. Would I pass? Right now, honestly, I'd have to say "maybe", but not definitely "yes" or "no".
   Guess I'd better study the manual again.

TTFN

Another Pointer Problem

   Laser pointers. It seems you see them everywhere these days. They're supposed to be used to do what they're designed for: Point at things during business presentations. They're also great animal toys, where Fluffy or Fido can chase that little dot across floors etc.
   But there's a big downside to them as well. It's been well documented, even in Saskatchewan, where unscrupulous people have been using them to "paint" the fight deck of aircraft taking off or landing. In some parts of the world, the goal is simply to blind the pilots and bring the aircraft down.
   An incident last night now 'points' out the need to haul these things back in. It happened during the NHL game between Montreal and Boston, who are old "Original 6" rivals. Someone aimed a pointed at the face mask of Bruins goalie Tukka Rask, trying to distract him.
   Rask says he didn't notice it, even though video clearly shows a green dot on his mask. Rask did say he saw it being directed elsewhere during the game in Montreal.
   What earthly purpose does this serve? Maybe I'm being naive, but is it really necessary to try and blind your opponent? Which can happen with these devices. It now also brings up the 'revenge' factor. What's going to happen when the Canadiens visit Boston next? Are fans there going to respond in kind? I hope not.
   The question of what to do to halt any further incidents will likely also be raised, and if it means people need to pass through a metal detector or empty their pockets, purses or what have you, then so be it if it means safety for the players. Perhaps another way of curbing their use is forfeiture of the game.
   And to the perpetrator: Get a life! It's just a hockey game.

TTFN

This Seems Like A Reasonable Question To Me

   The price of a barrel of oil has fallen 24%, and is now at a 2 1/2 year low. It was trading at about 80 dollars a barrel as of this morning, and there are indications the price could drop even further.
   That's got a lot of governments worried. Our Canadian government, for example, stands to lose quite a bit of revenue if prices remain low or fall even further. Exporting nations are expecting budget shortfalls, but importing nations welcome the lowest prices in years.
   Now, that reasonable question: Why do oil companies seemingly immediately hike the pump-head price every time crude prices jump? Even when things like hurricanes in the Gulf are forecast, they jack the price up. Logically, then, with the price falling, we should see an incremental decrease at the pumps. But we're not (at least not right now). Why? Well, the oil companies say it takes a week or 2 for the old, more expensive crude to make it's way through refineries. Fine. Then wait a week or 2 to boost pump prices when crude prices rise. Admittedly, the chances of that happening are very slim to none.
   More than one person I've spoken with says we're being gouged, plain and simple.

TTFN

Did You Watch?

   I must admit, I'm a fan of the AMC show, and I can thank my wife for getting me hooked. Sunday night was the season 5 premier for the Walking Dead. It was graphic, gruesome and brought in 17.3 million viewers. And for a cable-TV show, that ain't bad!
   In fact ratings company Nielsen says it set a record for the number of viewers on a cable network for a non-sports program. It also scored the highest number of viewers between 18 and 49 (advertisers consider that age demographic the most valuable), which beat every other scripted TV show so far this season.
   So, why the impact? What draws viewers in?
   It simply boils down (in my opinion) to writing, shooting and editing. The story lines, especially Sunday's, leave you with an 'edge of the seat' sensation you simply don't find in a lot of dramas these days. Even the level and intensity of the violence, which as mentioned is gruesome and graphic (and some would say "gratuitous") is almost needed to make the plot lines complete.
   It is not a show for the squeamish.
   Will I, along with at least 17.3 million others, keep watching? The short answer is "yes", because the storytelling is such that, if you get hooked on this show, you need to find out what's happening.

TTFN

Thanksgiving

   It is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada, meaning a long weekend as well. While I can't enjoy the traditional bird owning to an enzyme in the meat that plays havoc with me, I hope you all have a very Happy "Turkey Day"!
   I'll be back Tuesday.

TTFN

Lets Talk Food

   This is Thanksgiving weekend, and we, like many, will be having the traditional "Big Meal" of turkey and all the trimmings on Sunday. Well, at least my wife and kids will. Turkey does funky things to my digestion, so I'll opt for chicken instead. And for desert: Apple pie, since this is how pumpkin pies are made:

   Speaking of food (and beer), an Italian company has come up with a spreadable beer! The product, Birra Spalmabile, is the brainchild of an Italian chocolatier and an Italian brewer. Supposedly, it spreads like a ganache, and tastes like, well, beer! I guess it's almost an adult version of Nutella, and does contain 40% beer:

   Do, you can now, literally, have that "barley sandwich" after all! But don't think you'll be able to get a buzz of this. There's no alcohol in it.

TTFN

Hockey's Back

   The 2014-15 NHL regular season did get underway Wednesday night. I just wish I could care a little more than I do. Not to say I hate hockey, far from it. But it's my somewhat humble view the season simply goes on much longer than necessary.
   Putting it in perspective: If a woman got pregnant last night, chances are she would likely have the baby before the Stanley Cup is hoisted, especially if the final series went 7 games.
   That's 9 months of hockey which, if you're a die-hard fan, is not a bad thing. I don't happen to be as die hard as some fans out there. I don't wear my teams jersey. I rarely watch games on TV. But then again, I rarely even watch TV to begin with.
   At the same time, I totally understand how people get wrapped up in their team, and can talk at great length about statistics, plus/minus numbers etc. And I'll also admit I do get more excited when the playoffs arrive. Even though my team hasn't made it in years.
   But I also think the season does drag on. I mean, when a woman can get pregnant at the start of the regular season and can (statistically) give birth before the end of the playoffs, that may be a bit lengthy.
   Unless you're a die-hard fan. And if you are, I hope your team does well this season, and makes the playoffs. Mine likely won't.

TTFN

A Train Derailment Causes Concern *****UPDATED*****

   26 cars on a westbound CN freight jumped the tracks just west of Wadena, near the tiny community of Clair yesterday morning. The train was carrying hazardous goods, and at least 2 cars containing petroleum products did burst into flame. There were concerns, because several other cars were hauling hydrochloric acid. Fortunately, none leaked.
   50 people in the small community were forced to flee their homes, and as of this writing, they were still waiting for the all-clear to return.
   Transport Safety Board investigators were to have arrived last night, and will be conducting a very thorough review of the incident.
   And, as in other derailments where haz-mats are involved, questions about rail safety and alerting communities about what's being hauled are being raised. One advocacy group suggests rail companies are not doing a good enough job with safety in light of this derailment and the one in Lac Megantic, Quebec last year that killed some 45 people. The group goes as far as saying there are no regulations requiring rail companies to make public disclosures.
   I live less than half a kilometer from a set of tracks, and yes, I am a bit concerned about what's being transported. But I also don't think requiring public notification would realistically work. For example, how much more work would it take for rail companies and shippers to compile the list? And just how would that be made public in the first place? We get quite a few trains through Yorkton on a daily basis, on both lines, so it could become a logistical nightmare.
   The darker side of public declarations is this: Would it not make a haz-mat train a target for terrorists?
   I think more could be done on the infrastructure side of things. Repairing or replacing tracks, rolling stock etc. Sure, it's be expensive, but what do dollars matter when public safety is at risk?

TTFN
*****UPDATE: As of 10:30 a.m, all the evacuees were being allowed back to their homes and surrounding farms*****

The Big Time

   I've finally made it. A recipe I submitted last year has been added to the 2014 GX94 Christmas Cheer cookbook put out by Tonya Cherry. All proceeds from the sale of these stay in the community they're sold in, so I'm thrilled my drink made the grade.
   It's for my favorite cocktail from back in the day before I quit drinking. It's the Manhattan. Take 1 1/2 ounces of your favorite whiskey, add 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters then shake or stir. Pour it in a glass and add a maraschino cherry. Yum!
   Thanks Tonya for adding this, and I hope you sell the cookbooks out (again). And after missing my opportunity to buy one last year, as soon as I heard they were on sale to staff this morning, I snapped one up. I can't wait to see what's in there!

TTFN

Good Morning

   There are certain benefits of having to get up before 4:00 a.m every day. This is one of them. A glorious sunrise starting to break over Yorkton this morning. Other benefits of getting into the office before 4:30: Getting out of the office just after noon. Having the rest of the day to myself to do whatever I want. Surf the 'net. Cook dinner for my wife and myself. Take the occasional nap.
   But it's not always roses. Sleeping in these days means getting up at 6:00 a.m Saturday and Sunday, when I'd like to still be in bed by 7:00. Having to go to bed before 9:00 p.m, especially in the summer when the sun is still shining. And in the winter it's hard getting around after a storm, since city crews are still hard at it clearing the streets.
   On balance, though, I'll stick with getting up early. It's nice to have sunrises like this almost every morning.

TTFN.

Winter Is Coming

   And we didn't need the fictional Stark family from the series Game of Thrones to figure that out this morning. That's what I had on the car when I set out for work this morning, Friday, October 3rd. Admittedly, that can't even be called a 'trace', let alone a 'skiff' or even a 'dusting'. But it's enough for me to once again "thank" one of my grand-fathers for not following his brother to Australia when he had the chance, but came to Canada instead.
   It's also true that what you see on my car can't compare with the storm that hit Alberta last month. I know I really shouldn't complain, but I'm going to anyhow. Last Friday, we were basking in 30 degree heat. This morning, it got down to -6. We went from summer to winter without the benefit of fall.
   I've lived in many parts of Canada, as my career has taken me to places like Peace River, Alberta to Thunder Bay, Ontario and now to Yorkton, Saskatchewan. I'm older, and tired of scraping ice off the car. I'm tired of shoveling snow off my sidewalk. I'm sick and tired of having to put layer after layer after layer of clothes on for months on end. I'm sick to death of hearing about "Polar Vortexes".
   I know winter, at least in the parts of the county I've lived in, is an inevitable certainty. We can't escape it (other that the odd trip to Cuba or Bermuda or Hawaii) even living in Calgary when those warm Chinook winds roll through giving temporary relief. I'm just not ready for it yet. At least not October 3rd.

TTFN

Ebola

   That's it. That's the virus the entire world is talking about right now. Ebola has sickened nearly 7 thousand people in parts of Africa, and killed almost half of them. And it's now been found in North America. A man is in a Dallas, Texas hospital in serious but stable condition after contracting the virus in Liberia. He was visiting relatives in the States when he started showing symptoms.
   Health officials are now contacting anyone who may have been in extremely close contact with him during the flight, while some parents have temporarily removed their children from Dallas
schools after learning five students may have come in contact with the man.
   A lot closer to home, Saskatchewan Health officials say the risk of contracting Ebola is very low. And here's why. Unlike a cold or flu, you need to come into direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. That includes vomit, blood, sweat, saliva, feces, or urine. Should we be worried about it? Yes. Should we obsess about it? No.
   But already the knee-jerk reactions have set in. As mentioned, parents of some school kids in Dallas have pulled them from class. I hope I'm well and truly wrong about this, but the reaction to the outbreak could reach the point where flights from Africa are either banned, or people put in quarantine until the contagious period is over and/or they show no symptoms.
   What needs to be done now? That should be a no-brainer. Spending on research for a cure. We did it for smallpox, and that disease killed some 600 million people over recorded history. And with the rapid expansion of things like genomes and gene sequencing, it shouldn't take too long to come up with something to at least control any future outbreak and/or come up with a vaccine against it.
   And as scary as it is due to the mortality rate, I'm not going to "lock my doors and stay inside" because of it.

TTFN