I had lunch last week with Rae Groeneveld, the once long-time GX94 On Agriculture employee, who is now working in the communications field at Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation in Melville. One thing we both agreed that we missed about the day to day radio world is that we became 'out of the loop' with regards to the inner workings of our fields. Nevertheless, we both agreed change is good and can be re-invigorating on a number of fronts.
For me, I have become more worldly. Sure, I don't keep myself up to date with who's playing on the third line for the Columbus Blue Jackets anymore, but I'm happier because of it. I have surprised myself with how low my 'care level' is on stuff like that. I used to consume myself with everything sports, but I look at what I did for fun on the weekend and it included magazine reads like Rolling Stone, MacLean's, Winnipeg Sun, and the on-line version of the New York Daily News. My podcast list includes 60 Minutes and John Gormley Live. I've missed a lot over the last Roughrider dozen (13) years.
Gormley and his listeners discussed, late last week, whether or not someone should be allowed to take a driver's license written exam in his/her first language even if it is outside of English, French, or Ukrainian. Judging by the calls, there seems to be a great deal of opposition to, say, a Spanish speaking newcomer taking the writing portion of the exam in Spanish. I can't figure this out. It's not like the individual is trying to circumvent learning English, but rather the person is trying to acclimatize himself/herself with Saskatchewan life early in the process. Let's face it, you are not going to get by for very long in Saskatchewan without learning English. Traffic signs are based, predominantly, on color and images. The few that can only be deciphered by knowing English can be figured out very quick without actually knowing the language.
MacLean's had interesting fact this week about the myth of Canadians being polite. Check these out: 56% of Canadians use profanity on a regular or occasional basis. That compares to 51% of Americans. An unrelated stat in Saskatchewan/Manitoba shows 42% say while abortion should be permitted, there should be stricter standards.
As I walked into the Roughrider game last Thursday night, I happened to find myself right beside the Boechler family. Mrs. Boechler informs me that Luke's transplant scheduled for late July has been postponed four times, but this may be a blessing in disguise as he may be able to better build some physical strength. It's hoped things may work out next month. The family is grateful for all of the concern and felt it was important to let people know what the latest news is.
Sounds like the Terry Fox Run in Yorkton is going to be saved. I haven't heard who the lead organizer is, but kudos to whoever you are.
A recent triple homicide in Regina is considered, perhaps, the worst crime ever committed in that city. A police tactic to issue a survey to neighbors in hopes of eliminating or further identifying suspects is unusual. I think I'm going to reserve comment on it as there may be a sneaky way of finding out who is and who isn't suspicious. Still, if this works, authorities may be able to solve crime a lot faster if all it takes is distributing questionnaires as opposed to conducting interviews!
And, just because I'm out of the sports loop doesn't mean I'm not a fan. Here are a couple of random thoughts on two of my favorite teams: The BC Lions made the Saskatchewan Roughriders look better than they really are on Thursday night. Don't get me wrong, the Riders are very good. But, BC is deplorable. The Boston Red Sox are going to fall short in their bid for the playoffs, especially now that it appears Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis are lost for the season. I wonder if the Yankees would make the playoffs if Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira missed over half the season.
Nice person list this week: Kelsey Jones (makes it for the second time, but not everybody turns in $160 found at an ATM), Vanora Isaac, Candice Stupak, Tom Bohn, and Chad Nehring.
