Carnie Goes to Agribition

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Category: Carnie's Comments

Published: Monday, 19 November 2018 09:24

Canadian Western Agribition is on in Regina this week.  It takes me back about 20 years to when I was first assigned to cover the event.

I would spend every day at the show that fall, reporting on all the events.  I would talk to and connect with the people who make it happen in the livestock industry.  I really had no clue what I was doing or what they were talking about but I paid attention and I listened and I asked the questions and by the end of the week I was talking and walking with confidence.

It was on the Friday afternoon I stepped away from our broadcast location for a little fresh air just outside the Brandt Centre.  It was there I'd been feeding some sheep in a small pen, set up between buildings.

As I stood and watched the animals, a cute, little girl approached the pen. I said "Hello" and then I said "You know, if you grab some of that green feed there and throw it into the pen, the sheep will scramble over to it and head-butt each other to get some."

She looked up at me like I was an idiot and replied, "I know.  Them are my sheep."

Local Crime

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Category: Carnie's Comments

Published: Friday, 16 November 2018 09:04

It's not like we've ever been immune to crime, but it's happening more and more in neighbourhoods where you might not expect it, and it's making locals uncomfortable.

Drug addicts, transients and homeless people, men and women, aren't just searching for bottles and cans downtown anymore - they're coming into our yards and rummaging through our recycling and garbage bins.  Some are scouting for open doors and breaking into our cars and homes. They are thieves and criminals.  In some cases they are people who are just trying to survive.

This week, a Facebook page called "Moose Jaw Neighbourhood Watch and Patrol" features photos from a home security camera showing what appears to be a trio of young people checking for unlocked vehicles on Grace Street near Palliser Heights School.  

So, what do we do about it?  What CAN we do about it?  The answer is, not much.  If you attack these people you become a criminal and a part of the problem.  All we can do is call the police. They'll be ready. They're getting similar calls almost every night these days.

Lunch

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Category: Carnie's Comments

Published: Thursday, 15 November 2018 08:18

Lunch.  Just saying the word makes me happy.  I love lunch.  I'm thinking about lunch today after seeing a note from the Eyebrow School.  It's an order form for all parents to sign their kids up for the hot lunch program.  Kraft Dinner, hot dogs, grilled cheese and chocolate milk are all on the menu.

It takes me back to my school days.  Remember racing home when the school bell rang at 11:45?  Our moms were at home preparing lunch.  We'd have a nice, hot lunch and watch The Flintstones on TV.  They were on CKCK every day at noon for many years.  My dad would eat in the kitchen and then take my place on the couch to have a rest and watch the local news at 12:30.

There's one day I'll never forget.  My mom threw us right out of our routines.  She explained there would be no Flintstones or news on the TV that day.  No, she'd be watching the live wedding on the Elwood Glover "Luncheon Date" program on CBC.  Stompin' Tom Connors married Lena Walsh on November 2nd, 1973.  I just looked it up.  

I don't know why I remember it so clearly but I do.  I went back to school early that day.

True story.  I can't make this stuff up.

Stirring the Pot

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Category: Carnie's Comments

Published: Wednesday, 14 November 2018 08:14

We knew, she knew, that she wouldn't get the result she's been calling for but she showed up, stood up and spoke up.

Local woman Jodie Chell appeared before Moose Jaw City Council last night - presenting the on-line petition she started, calling for the resignation of Councillor Brian Swanson.  It all stems back to some questionable moves made in a local personnel matter at our Downtown Facility & Field House operation.

Swanson made it clear he would not be resigning in a statement he issued last week.

When the dust had settled last night, Ms. Chell was on social media, thanking her friends and supporters and telling the story of an "older couple" who used profanity when addressing one of her friends and then allegedly told Chell they "hated her...guts."

A number of friends and followers are reacting to the post with one urging Chell to run for a spot on City Council.  

And I wonder, why would anybody want to do that?

Pick a Topic

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Category: Carnie's Comments

Published: Tuesday, 13 November 2018 08:22

I've tackled all types of topics.  I've touched on everything from pot holes to traffic and disobedient and distracted drivers to local, civic politics, government waste and the pro-life / pro-choice debate.

And, you know, despite the fact I know most of you disagree, I continue to advocate for Daylight Savings Time in Saskatchewan.  

This daily commentary we call "Carnie's Comments' is in its 10th year.  I'm not really adept at arithmetic but I think I've probably written and recited about 200 a year,  so that's getting close to 2000!  Yes, 2000 daily commentaries.  

I hope I've made you smile and, perhaps, chuckle.  I hope I've caught your attention, provoked some anger and, perhaps, sparked a conversation in your life.

Is that 60 seconds yet?  I hope we're close because today, I don't mind sharing with you, I've got nothing.

Thanks for listening.