Hit the brakes....

I hardly know where to begin. Again, a complete and total information overload today on the Hotline!

My title relates to the Virginia Massacre. We talked about it today, but because there's a reason it's called "news", different topics come up. It's one thing I hate/love about the news, that there is always something "new", meaning the older topics must be left behind. Sometimes I think that's why problems aren't solved because the media is all about the new, new, new and despite the fact it's our job, it would be great to be able to hit the brakes or just stop - try to deal with one major issue and then move on. Sadly, it's not realistic and I just don't want something as horrible as the massacre to become "just another news story". I thought the cartoon in the Herald summed it up perfectly. This kind of thing shouldn't be routine!!!!

Many, many other topics today on the show, like education. Don't you love Gary Carson? The man makes so much damn sense!! I was laughing whenever he started talking about these "tiles" they use in classrooms. One of his classic lines (and how true, especially speaking as a female) "You don't see a dentist when you need a gynocologist". You don't have teachers who can't do math teach math! Is this some sort of difficult problem that needs to be broken down further? Is this the Da Vinci code? I think Gary Carson should have been asked to be the one person school board. Viva Gary and common sense!! All the callers, both on and off air, agreed with Gary 100 %.

The budget has been finally passed at City Hall. Again, an eye-opening interview from Gloria McCluskey. She says they spent 48-thousand dollars on a consultant from Ottawa to suggest ways to get more members of the public to attend meetings. WHAT? Rick said he'd do it for 10, and Gloria said she'd do it for free - and suggested something brilliant like, I don't know, placing more advertising? Seriously, there is a complete lack of common sense in this world, but hey, if everyone had common sense, we probably wouldn't have a show!

So..the bet! Okay Earl - you're on! Earl e-mailed Rick with a challenge. If Elizabeth May wins in Central Nova, he will come on the air and sing "We shall overcome". Apparently, he's not a union fan. Now, if Peter MacKay wins, Rick (and I volunteered to help) will sing "Oh Happy Day". AJ just called and is willing to loan us his record to help us learn the words.

Call me crazy, but I think May has a chance. For the sake of your ears, you had better start thinking the same thing!

Tomorrow....busy day.....Rick will be speaking with Muhammed Ali's daughter for a few minutes in the first hour and then an hour on the Charter, and then the third hour is all open. Can't wait!

Until then,

Amber