A Remembrance Day Controversy

   My friend and morning show host Danny Ismond alerted me to this. It seems the Rideau Institute is encouraging people to wear a white poppy instead of the red one this year, saying the red poppy glorifies war.
   As the son of a wounded World War 2 veteran, I am rather shocked by this. As we get ready to mark the 95th anniversary of "The War To End All Wars" (World War 1) I find this almost disrespectful of our veterans past and present.
   Far from glorifying war, the red poppy to me signifies the ultimate sacrifice made by 67 thousand Canadians in the First World War, the 44 thousand in the Second World War along with those who fell in Korea, Afghanistan and other conflicts.
   After Danny posted the story and this picture on our Facebook page:

   Response was swift, and negative to the Rideau Institute. Just as one example, MLA Greg Ottenbreit had this to say: "The white poppy is a slap in the face of all those who paid the ultimate price! It does not glorify war, but recognises the sacrifice of some for the freedom of many!
God bless our veterans and those still active!"
   And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
   I know what colour poppy I'll be wearing on Monday, November 11th. Red.

TTFN

An Ignominious End

   I found a rather interesting article on line this morning about the death of King Tut, the 18 year old ancient Egyptian pharaoh who's tomb was discovered in 1922, nearly intact.
   How he died almost 33 centuries years ago has been a topic of debate among scholars. Some say he was murdered. Others say he was epileptic, others that he died of malaria, others suggest it was an infection from a broken leg.
   Now there's a theory that he was killed racing a chariot. Not the one he was driving either. Car crash investigators say he may have been thrown from his chariot, and was killed when another smashed into his left side, fracturing his pelvis and ribs.
   There's also indications the body was burned, and investigators say that was due to spontaneous combustion of the linen and oils used in mummification, and happened after Tut's entombment.
   Still, the enigmatic King fascinates.

TTFN

Yorkton Council Passes The Budget

   City council did in fact pass the 2014 Capital budget at their meeting last night, and it does include a mill rate increase. It's 5.5% overall, with 1% going to administration, due to inflation.
   The remainder will be going into infrastructure, streets and roads. The intersection of Hamilton and highway 9 will be one area seeing improvement. Mayor Bob Malone says another big focus will be on drainage, especially after the flood in 2010, with more being spent in that area to ensure at least adequate protection for homes and businesses.
   And while no one likes to see their property taxes go up, myself included, at least the vast majority of this will go to things we can see and drive on daily. Roads and other infrastructure.

TTFN

Seven Will Be Invested

   That's the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the highest award in the province. And tonight in Regina, Lieutenant Governor Vaugh Solomon Schofield will invest 7 recipients for 2013.
   They are: Saskatoon internist and geriatrician Dr. Richard Baltzan, Saskatoon Biosciences Entrepreneur Mr John V Cross, Saskatoon's Ms. May Henderson with the Metis Nation, Saskatoon Equity Manager Grant J Kook, Professor Jim Miller. Mr Arthur Wakabayashi, Chancellor Emeritus with the U of R, and Dr. George Reed, LL.D.

   Reed, who wore #34 for his entire 13 year career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, now hosts an annual charity golf classic named after him, with funds going toward athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds also go to ensuring a future for Special Olympic athletes.
   I have had the distinct honor to have met Dr. Reed on a couple of occasions, and was simply in awe. Not only for his prowess on the field with the Riders during those great years, but for the man he is now. Not only is Dr. Reed a Gentleman, but he is also a gentle man.
   Congratulations to all 7 people being invested tonight.

TTFN

I Really Am Sick

   And the proof comes after my early morning chat with Danny Ismond. We talked about highways, and the first early winter storm hitting parts of the province.
   But Danny had also mentioned off the air, that an alligator had been seen at O'Hare Airport in Chicago.
   Needless to say, I pounced on that, asking him about the story. Danny said it seems the 'gators are moving north, while moose in the province are heading south, and wondered about a collision between the two.
   I said it wasn't likely, since alligators prefer warmer weather. I also piped up that I'd heard there was to be a benefit concert for the critters, with Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and Kid Rock as the headliners.
   And the concert was to be called "Gator-Aid".
   I really am sick.

TTFN.

I Hate Being Sick

   And I have been since last Wednesday. Whatever bug bit me, bit real hard this time. I don't get sick often, but when I do it's usually a lulu. This is a lulu. And it's affecting the one thing that any radio announcer does not want affected: My voice.
   I've got a hellacious sore throat, my chest is congested, my sinuses are stuffed, and I'm coughing so much and so hard, it's making my abdominal muscles hurt. I've also tried quite a few "remedies" to try and alleviate the symptoms, but (not surprisingly) nothing seems to work. Not even good old fashioned chicken soup.
   I've had gallons of O.J, and nearly enough Tylenol to make me rattle when I walk.
   I guess it's just one of the bugs I'll just have to weather. But I hate being sick :(

TTFN

Welcome To Movember

   It is indeed Movember once again, when men shave off their facial hair to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer, one of the biggest killers of men.
   Normally, I don't take part in the month long event, where we shave down to, as morning show host Danny Ismond put it "bare wood", but this year I decided what the heck! And while I'm not raising funds for research, I am showing support for my Mow-Bro's by going clean.
   My wife will not be pleased when she sees me later today when I make my weekly trip to Regina. She wasn't exactly happy when I went to the goatee earlier this year. But don't worry. It will grow back. In fact, I'm thinking of using this as an excuse to grow my full beard back again.
   And while a lot of guys out there can grow a luxurious beard and moustache in just a few days, maybe a week or so, I can't. So don't look for daily updates with pictures chronicling my progress. I might post a mid-month update. Then again, I might just wait till the end of the month.
   Happy Movember guys, and remember to get checked for prostate cancer yearly.
   And now the "before" picture:

TTFN