Weekly News Recap: October 13, 2023

October 13, 2023 Vincent Duckworth

Weekly News Recap: October 13, 2023

Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) with puppeteer Judith Lawrence and puppets Casey (left) and Finnegen. - Contributed

Keep your crayons sharp, keep your sticky tape untangled, and always put the tops back on your markers. ~Ernie Coombs aka Mr. Dressup

SOME GOOD NEWS

A new start after 60: I wanted to find myself – so I kayaked 6,800 miles alone (The Guardian) Hmmm, maybe to put on my bucket list. "Shortly before he turned 60, Mark Fuhrmann realised what he wanted. 'I thought: ‘I’d like to see things I’ve never seen before, I’d like to experience things I’ve never experienced before – and I’d like to be alone.' Fuhrmann (who blogs under the name Mark Ervin) set off on a 3,700-mile kayaking tour, and now, at 65, has just returned from a second voyage, paddling the 'Greater Loop' solo. His 6,835 mile-round trip from Nova Scotia took in the great lakes of the US, inland rivers, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic."
‘The school is like a light for me:’ The secret classrooms giving Afghan girls a chance to learn despite Taliban rules (CNN) #Hero We take so much for granted. "This was a secret school, set up to teach girls despite the bans on female education imposed by the Taliban since they retook control of Afghanistan two years ago [...] Hakim operates SRAK, a clandestine network of schools, which educates around 400 girls across eight Afghan provinces with the help of 150 brave teachers and staff. CNN is not using the 25-year-old’s real name, or the names of the female teachers and students we interviewed for this story to protect their safety. CNN was granted access to film inside one of SRAK’S underground classrooms on the condition the location of the school and the identity of the students and staff remain hidden for their safety."
Kentucky had an outside-the-box idea to fix child care worker shortages. It's working (NPR) #Brilliant "With most of the federal government's pandemic relief money for child care now spent, it's up to states to step in with new ideas to solve the many problems plaguing the sector. A year ago, Kentucky came up with a creative solution that is already paying dividends. The state made all child care employees eligible for free child care, regardless of household income. 'That is a beautiful incentive,' says Jennifer Washburn, who owns and runs iKids Childhood Enrichment Center in Benton, Ky. 'Any of my teachers who have children — they can work for me, and their children are paid for by the state.'"
When the Phone Rings and the Voice Says: You’ve Won a MacArthur Award (New York Times) Very very cool. "Makuakane is part of a new class of 20 MacArthur Fellows that includes a U.S. poet laureate, a composer, a hydroclimatologist studying the impact of global warming and a lawyer who founded an organization dedicated to preserving American democracy. Each year, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation gives fellowships to a select group of writers, artists, social scientists, entrepreneurs and other individuals in a variety of fields. The fellowship is 'intended to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual and professional inclinations,' and comes with a $800,000 stipend, according to the foundation’s website."
New technology uses good old-fashioned wind to power giant cargo vessels (NPR) I love this! "Well over a century after the Age of Sail gave way to coal- and oil-burning ships, climate change concerns are prompting a new look at an old technology that could once again harness wind to propel commercial cargo ships — this time with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine what looks like Boeing 747 wings with movable flaps, set vertically on a ship's deck. The vessel cruises under minimum power from its giant engine as computerized sensors adjust the fiberglass wings to take advantage of the wind's speed and direction. This wind-assisted propulsion saves a substantial amount of fuel and reduces the carbon belching from the ship's stack."
See the winners in the latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest (CBC) #Stunning "Three photos from two Canadian photographers are part of the 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition [...] Mark Williams, a photographer based in Jordan River, B.C., was highly commended in the animal portraits category for photos of an Arctic fox backlit by the sun and a dramatic drone shot of five belugas surfacing among fragments of sea ice, both captured in Nunavut. Garth Lenz of Victoria was highly commended in the photojournalism category for an aerial, early morning shot of the biggest open excavation on Earth, the massive Bingham Canyon copper mine in Utah."
VIDEO: Black bear walks into a gas station bar, takes a pack of gummy bears and leaves (CBC) COWICHAN STORY #GummyBears #LOL "Jay and Karen deGoesbriand serve a variety of customers at their tiny Tipton Gas Bar in Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island — about a 92-kilometre drive northwest of Victoria — but they never expected a black bear to make it to their list of clientele. Security camera footage from the store caught the bear casually walking in at around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, going through racks of chocolate bars before grabbing a 70-cent pack of gummy bears in its jaws and taking off — without paying."
Documentary film on Cowichan sweaters explores traditional garment's legacy (CBC) COWICHAN STORY Growing up in BC, these were prized and coveted items in our family. "Award-winning writer and director Mary Galloway has partnered with A Knitted Legacy Films Inc. to document the tradition of knitting Cowichan sweaters. The Cowichan Sweater, Our Knitted Legacy is available to stream now on CBC Gem. 'The Cowichan sweater is a knitted garment that is made of raw sheep's wool and knitted into a sweater in different patterns, depending on which knitter has made it,' said Galloway. 'They've been a part of our culture and our history for over 100 years. They are really beautiful hand-knit sweaters, but a lot of people don't know what they are and where they come from, so this documentary will teach people about them.'"
Saskatoon puppet maker's creations teach Urdu in new Pakistani children's show (CBC) SASKATOON STORY Puppeteers are cool. "Allison Ewert spends her days stitching together furry monsters and aliens at her Saskatoon home. Part engineer, part artist, the 45-year-old woman spends hours refining each puppet. For her, there's a magical moment when she flips them right side out and makes them talk. 'It just makes me smile every time,' she said. 'I've made so many puppets over the years, but it's never gotten dull.'"
Mr. Dressup documentary aims to showcase a legacy of kindness (CBC) CANADIAN STORY I watched it and cried. You will too. "After 29 seasons and more than 4,000 episodes, Mr. Dressup's place in the Canadian cultural landscape was pretty much cemented. But even with that impressive pedigree, London, Ont., filmmaker Robert McCallum didn't think it was enough. Because, he said, those numbers don't come close to showcasing the immense impact Ernie Coombs's TV show Mr. Dressup had on five generations of viewers. 'It's just that kind of stuff that united us. You say Mr. Dressup, we know what you mean, and all those memories flood back in an instant again,' McCallum told CBC News. 'Coast to coast to coast — regardless of region, regardless of belief — the creative exploration that show instilled in us, plus the values of society.'"
When you lied on your résumé (Instagram) This is hilarious.
Discover autumn in Canada: A newcomers’ guide to foliage and festivities (CIC News) CANADIAN STORY I love fall. "Fall foliage can be seen across the province. Stanley Park in Vancouver is a large, urban park that boasts roughly 500,000 trees, it offers a great place to see the colourful foliage around this season. Biking along the Seawall bike path in the fall offers scenic views of Vancouver and vivid fall colours. In terms of fall activities and festivals, Vancouver’s International Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in North America and is running until October 8th. The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival celebrates the fall grape harvest with more than 60 events centered around wine, food and culture amongst lakes and mountains. The festival goes from October 27th to November 5th."
VIDEO: 'Easy, partner': See a bull elk get rescued from a swing (CBC) "Police in Pierce County, Wash., came to the aid of a young bull elk earlier this month after the animal's antlers got tangled in a tree swing."

TOP TEN STORIES OF THE WEEK

'I feel very lucky': Meaghan Mikkelson embraces new role as the Flames' first female radio colour commentator (CBC) CALGARY STORY Nice move Sportsnet! "For Meaghan Mikkelson, hockey is a way of life. The two-time Olympic gold medallist is no stranger to the game and has played forward as well as defence for Canada. This time around, though, Mikkelson is gearing up for a new challenge. [Sportsnet 960] announced that Mikkelson would take over as the Calgary Flames' first female radio commentator after its longtime colour analyst, Peter Loubardias moved to a new role as a reserve list scout. This is a major development for Mikkelson who has been working part-time in the broadcasting industry for around three years."
NHL bans players' use of Pride Tape after previously disallowing themed warmup jerseys (CBC) CANADIAN CONTENT #Boo "The NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season, including a ban on the use of rainbow-coloured stick tape for the Pride nights that have become a hot-button issue in hockey. The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for warmup and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice."
'It's a whole new generation': new indoor roller rink to open in Calgary (CBC) CALGARY STORY I am so excited. Can't wait to go. "In the years since Calgary's last-standing roller rink closed, Terry Roberts has taken to skateboard parks and trails around the city. But for him — it wasn't just about roller skating — it was about the people. 'I can honestly say that everything that Lloyd's brought us has carried on into my adult life, as well as everyone I know,' Roberts said. After the iconic roller rink closed in 2018, Calgarians sought out roller skating at pop-ups and workshops across the city. And the people who organize those events say they've seen enough demand from Calgarians for roller skating that work is underway to open a new permanent location. That rink, slated to open in the coming months in southeast Calgary, will be called the House of Skate. "
A look at Wab Kinew's journey to become Manitoba's 1st Anishinaabe premier (CBC) MANITOBA STORY Well done Manitoba! "Although Wab Kinew continues to reiterate that he's not out to make history for his ethnicity as Manitoba's first Anishinaabe premier, there's no denying that his community and cultural ties will bring something new to the premier's office. Wabanakwut Kinew, 41, is from Onigaming First Nation in Ontario — part of Treaty 3 territory, which spans parts of northwestern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba. His first name translates to 'grey cloud' and his last to 'golden eagle' in the Anishinaabe language. Kinew's major win in [the recent] provincial election came at a momentous milestone for his home territory, as Manitobans elected their first Anishinaabe premier exactly 150 years after Treaty 3 was signed at the Northwest Angle on Lake of the Woods on Oct. 3, 1873." RELATED: VIDEO: 'It was inspirational': Wab Kinew's message to Indigenous youth resonates with students
This noted feminist is really worried about men's problems (CBC) "In her new book What about Men?, longtime feminist Caitlin Moran argues society has ignored the challenges facing straight, white, able-bodied men for too long, and we're all suffering because of it. Focusing on the plight of a group of people many agree has enjoyed the lion's share of society's privilege, wealth and comfort, has raised a few eyebrows and left the British bestseller defending her position. 'Obviously there are some advantages to being a straight white man, but there are also visible statistical disadvantages,' said Moran, 48, in a recent interview on CBC's The Sunday Magazine."
Sask. farm real estate value continues skyrocketing — but what does it mean for farmers? (CBC) SASKATCHEWAN STORY "The value of Saskatchewan's farm real estate continues to skyrocket, growing by a record amount last year, data shows. Experts suggest the trend is a promising sign for the long-term prosperity of Saskatchewan's agriculture industry. But higher property values are proving to be a barrier for farmers looking to expand their operation — or young farmers trying to launch their own. 'The world needs more of Saskatchewan, needs more Canada, when it comes to food production,' said J.P. Gervais, chief economist for Farm Credit Canada. 'It's not without challenges, of course.'"
Scandal builds at University of Alberta over Nazi endowments (Canadian Dimension) EDMONTON STORY "The fallout from the Canadian Parliament’s decision to honour a Ukrainian Nazi veteran continues to expand. Anthony Rota, the former speaker of the House of Commons and the designated ‘fall guy,’ resigned from his position at the end of September. However, one would have to be quite credulous to place the blame for Hunka’s honouring solely on Rota. The entire House of Commons applauded a man who was introduced as having fought against the Russians during the Second World War. Pleading ignorance is not good enough."
Stephanie Hutchinson Named Director Of Programming At Canada’s National Music Centre (Celebrity Access) CALGARY STORY Welcome Stephanie "Canada’s National Music Centre announced the appointment of Stephanie Hutchinson as the organization’s new Director of Programs. A veteran of Canada’s music scene, Hutchinson brings nearly two decades of experience to the role. She most recently served as Associate Director, Presenting, at Arts Commons, the largest performing arts center in Western Canada. She’s also the co-founder of Chronograph Records, where she helped to bring jazz artists from Western Canada to national and international audiences. In addition, she served as President, Producer and Program Director of the YYC Music Awards, Calgary’s premier music awards program."
Glenbow reborn: Will reimagined museum and gallery be an example for other cities to follow? (Calgary Herald) CALGARY STORY Can't wait. "The bottom line is that the new Glenbow will indeed be reimagined, both physically and philosophically. Structurally, the changes will be startling and, for many, long overdue. Back in the summer of 2020, Bell’s blunt synopsis of the physical transformation was that it would 'open this box up' and shed that dated 1970s, bunker-like feel of the space. Among its many drawbacks was that it seemed cramped, had no natural lighting and no street-facing entrance, Bell says." RELATED: Glenbow Reimagined Reaches Halfway Point Of Base Construction.
VIDEO: Iran's Narges Mohammadi wins Nobel Peace Prize for her work fighting oppression of women (CBC) #Brave "Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned Iranian activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Friday. 'The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all,' the committee said in its citation. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, announced the prize. Mohammadi, 51, is one of Iran's leading human rights activists, who has campaigned for women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty."

SEVEN LIFE AND CAREER HACKS

5 Clues You’re Building a Business to Imprison You, Rather Than Free You (The Startup) I don't want to be imprison. Neither do you. Read on.
If you open a meeting with icebreakers, end with these wrap-up equivalents for better closure (Jackie Colburn) Wrap-ups are so important.
How Do I Get Things Done (Saverio Ferrara) Just when you thought you had read it all.
Four High-Impact Actions for Individuals on Climate Change (The New Climate) We, individually, can make a huge difference.
The Only Morning Routine You Ever Need to Improve Posture and Avoid Back Pain (In Fitness And In Health) Great fitness routine. I am trying it out over the next few weeks.
Which Self-Eating Brain Type Are You? (Better Humans) Do not eat your brain.
What I Will Read in 2024 and Why (Books Are Our Superpower) Some not so standard suggestions.

TOP THREE GIFTS OF THE WEEK

Brookfield Zoo’s largest ever donation will fund ‘Tropical Forest’ habitats (Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) "Brookfield Zoo’s largest private donation will be used to construct a gorilla conservation center and habitats for gorillas, orangutans and monkeys, zoo officials said. It also will be used for subsequent areas of a master plan that has yet to be released. The zoo received a $40 million donation [earlier this fall], that most that has ever been contributed to the organization. The bulk of the gift, donated anonymously, will be used to construct new habitats that make up a project called 'Tropical Forests,' according to zoo director Dr. Michael Adkesson."
A certain trip to Huntington Library ended in a $40 million gift – and a new vision for its future (Pasadena Star-News) "Many months after Munger’s visit, The Huntington this week got a robust share of Munger’s goodwill — 77 shares of it to be exact. Munger gave 77 Class A Berkshire Hathaway shares to the San Marino museum, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At Thursday’s closing price of $523,545.06 a share, that made the gift worth more than [$40.3 million.]"
$1M donation will see Fredericton theatre named after late philanthropist (CBC) FREDERICTON STORY "A Fredericton woman remembered for her love of singing will be memorialized by having one of the theatres in the proposed performing arts centre named after her. The 300-seat theatre planned for the building's second floor will be named after Wilma Clark, following a $1-million contribution to a fundraising campaign for the new performing arts centre from John Clark, her widower. 'She was a singer, a great lover of the arts, and so we're really happy to be naming that theatre after Mrs. Clark,' said Tim Yerxa, executive director of the Fredericton Playhouse Inc."

LAST WEEK'S MOST POPULAR STORIES

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