Scammers Are Getting Lazy

   This popped up in the "spam" filter in my work email box this morning. I've seen some pretty good scams, and some pretty poor ones. This ranks "high" among the "low" category. I mean really. Try better punctuation, better grammar, better spelling, not double underline (====), and make sure you get the information you want from your victim right. Primarily, "Your" Occupation, rather than "our Occupation", which is scammer. Also, you might want to include what country you supposedly represent.

   Sadly, there are people who will probably fall for it:

Attn: sir/madam,

I am Mr.Mark Idriss this is to notify you about the overdue inheritance which have been resolved and agreed by the Federal Executive council that the Inheritance/Contract Fund valued $25.3M would be released to you as the beneficiary by the management immediately your attention is received so you are therefore advice to indicate your interest and send your information as stated below

Your Name,===============
Address,===================
Next of kin.==============
our Occupation=============
A scanned copy of your ID or passport.============= Phone Number =================== Bank Details to Claim Your Fund =============

Thanks
Elder Mark Idriss
Director Foreign Operations
Federal Ministry of Finance
Email: foreignoperationunit.org@hotmail.com

TTFN

Yes, I Know It's Been Another Long Break

   And there's a reason this time. For the past 2 weeks, I had moved to our agriculture desk as a fill-in for our regular host. As a rural radio station, we have a lot of farmers listening in on a daily basis, and we offer a daily 45 minute farm show. With the retirement in April of our long-time host, our news director (who has stepped in in the past) had taken it over.

   It's summer, and that means vacations. So it was with my boss the past 2 weeks, meaning he had me sub on the Ag desk. It was interesting, to say the least. I've been on plenty of farms in the past, but I'm a "city boy" with no real knowledge of agriculture. Stepping in was a challenge to say the least.

   The 1st week was simply spent making sure I didn't foul things up too badly, and just keeping my head above water, so to speak. Last week was much better, and I managed to get about 3 features per day for the show.

   As you may imagine, filling 45 minutes of any show, let alone something I'm not very familiar with, posed challenges. But it got done. In case you're wondering, it takes about 4 hours to prep everything. And it wasn't just the noon farm show, either. There are several other Ag type short features that need to be recorded and uploaded into the system.

   Suffice it to say, I'm glad to get back to "normal", doing the morning news run. At least for this week. Next week, and the week after, I'm back on the farm desk so my boss can get his other 2 weeks of vacation done.

   Would I make the switch to the farm desk full-time? I haven't been asked, nor have I broached the idea. Would I take it if I was asked? The jury's still out on that. I've got another 2 weeks to go before making up my mind either way, and I'm not even sure the idea would get much support.

TTFN

Been A While (Again)

  These days, it's been difficult to keep up with this blog. We're still in the depths of the 1st wave of COVID-19, vacation times have started, and it's just been overall busy. That's why I haven't posted for the past couple of weeks. And yes, I know I've used that excuse before.

   But there really hasn't been a lot to blog about, due mostly to the continued restrictions, although they are starting  to ease, due to the pandemic. I'm in the "high risk" age group, and already have breathing problems, so I tend to keep myself locked down as much as possible. At least until an effective vaccine is developed.

   Also, this has been a weird week anyway. Worked Monday and Tuesday, had Wednesday off for Canada Day, then back to work again. It's kind of played a little hell with my internal  clock. But this too shall pass.

   And with tomorrow the 4th of July, I'd like to wish any American viewers a Happy Independence Day! Keep safe, especially with the coronavirus out there.

TTFN

Border Restrictions May Not Apply

   That was taken yesterday by me here in Yorkton. I know the international border with the U.S can be crossed by non-essential travelers for a few reasons, including family. And I'm not saying the folks in the Caddy SUV didn't cross for that very reason. But here's the problem. I've heard reports from other jurisdictions saying Americans tell border officials they're making their was to Alaska to see family, but instead are tourists.

   With the recent spike in cases in several U.S States, including Texas, I find this flaunting of border controls, including mandatory self-quarantining for 14 days, counterproductive to what we've been doing in both countries to try and contain as best we can the coronavirus.

   Until last weekend, I restrained from venturing out of town period. I've also listened to health officials advice and socially isolated and practiced physical distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Seeing this, and again I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, means I will re-double my efforts since I don't know if they were simply passing through, or made stops on the way. I also know there have been plenty of cases going the other way, where Canadians say they have relatives in the U.S, but are crossing for tourism or even to shop.

   I'm not one to get political on this venue, but also believe border closures should be strictly adhered to on both sides. Unless, the person can provide verified proof of the intention to only access each other's country for family reasons.

   I just hope the people in that vehicle didn't bring COVID with them across the border.

TTFN

I May Never Know

   The last time I filled up my little Lancer was April 27th. I'd been wondering how long it would take for me to have to fill it up again. June 10th, some 46 days later, I had to. The only reason I did, was my wife and I needed to get away, and decided to take a trip to Regina to hit some of her specialty stores, and meet up with our son for lunch. We hadn't been down since February, before the whole COVID thing erupted.

   I put 37 litres (8 Imperial gallons or 9.7 U.S) in the tank, which still was 1/3rd full. I'm thinking I probably could've gone another 4 or 5 days, maybe even a week, before I fueled up.

   Why did it take so long? COVID. Due to the restrictions put in place, I wasn't heading to the store as often, meaning a lot less use of gas. Or generally driving around town for that matter.

   Will I try the experiment again? Doubtful, now that restrictions are starting to gradually lift. I won't be going back to my old habits by any means, but with that, and the warmer weather, I'm thinking we'll be taking a few trips come summer.

   By the way, when I filled p in April, gas was something like 75 cents a litre. When I juiced up Friday, it was 96.

TTFN

Heat's Back!

   And a welcome relief it is. Over the past 2 days, walking into the newsroom first thing in the morning was like walking into a deep freeze. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but it really was cold in here. In face, morning man Danny Ismond took pity on me yesterday, and brought in a space heater to keep me warm.

   But all is back to "normal", and I'm no longer shivering. However, something on the roof is making an awful loud buzzing noise, almost like being in a small aircraft.

TTFN

Yet Another Cold Day Inside

   As I blogged yesterday, it was cold in the newsroom. We found out later yesterday morning that a power bump shut off the boilers in the building, hence the nearly arctic conditions. They fired them up, and it did get warmer as the day progressed. This morning, the cold was back. I don't know what the issue is yet, and likely won't find out until someone contacts building maintenance.

   At least I remembered to wear a jacket today.

TTFN