Recently posted by Karin Reid LeBlanc

Candidates Carl Bainbridge (right) and incumbent George LeBlanc talk about the issues facing the city.

Education spending is top of mind for Maritimes this week, as boards tighten their budgets in the face of government cutbacks. We're asking: what needs to happen to improve the quality of education?

Email your thoughts to MARITIMESSATURDAY@CBC.CA. Then, tune in to CBC TV tomorrow night at 7 for CBC News: Maritimes Saturday with Elizabeth Chiu to see what your friends and neighbours have to say.

Jonna talks to Joey Caissie, president and CEO of the Vitalité Health Network, about concerns raised by doctors at the Moncton Hospital. They're mounting an effort to make a provincial stand-alone Breast Health Centre of Excellence a joint project for both hospitals, rather that a project of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.

Jonna talks to Jacques Mallet, who, it turns out, shot the first wolf in New Brunswick in more than 100 years. The hunter from the Acadian peninsula reacts to official confirmation that the animal wasn't, as he first thought, a coyote.

Warrenne Agnew, left, and Doreen Johnson, right, brought along prized possessions and talked to Jonna about this weekend's Moncton Miniature & Doll Club show and sale. It's happening Saturday at the Dan Bohan Centre in Riverview between 10 am and 5 pm.

Dr. Heather Tait is one of several physicians and surgeons at the Moncton Hospital who are are opposed to the way they believe the province plans to set up a Centre of Excellence in Breast Cancer Treatment at the Dr. Georges Dumont University Hospital Centre.

Shirley Alexander, Bernie McCarthy and Heather MacKenzie are with the The Moncton Lions Seniors Drama Club. "Thirteen Hands" is being performed at the Empress Theatre in Moncton on tonight and Wednesday night. (May 8 & 9)
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Capitol Theatre Box Office at 506-856-4379.

Jonna talks to Brian Brown, a coroner and the chair of the province's Domestic Death Review Comittee as it reviews its first case.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation wants women to pay attention to their heart health.
The Foundation's Heart Truth campaign is spreading the message leading up to this Mother's Day. And you could win a Mother's Day gift basket valued at $525 from the The Heart and Stroke Foundation in New Brunswick.

The gift basket includes several items, including:

• A 60-minute personal session (in person or virtual) with a Heart and Stroke Foundation nutritionist


• A best-selling Heart and Stroke Foundation cookbook


• A Health Check reusable water bottle, measuring spoons, apron, grocery list pad, and shopping bag


• A luxurious red pashmina


• And what's called a ractivity sensor that discretely tracks your activity to improve health

Click on the comic to enlarge it.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck. His comic strip will be appearing the first Monday of every month.

Read more about Eric Dyck in the May 3rd edition of Here.

People heading to the US for a weekend of shopping will soon be able to bring back $800 worth of duty free goods. A great deal for travelers, a sore spot for the greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce. CEO Nancy Whipp spoke with the CBC's Marc Genuist.

Click on the comic to enlarge it.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck.

David Gilmore is an author, former CBC personality and a former student of Northrop Frye himself. His latest novel is "The Perfect Order of Things".

Dave Bidini returns to his musical roots with his most recent work "Writing Gordon Lightfoot: The Man, the Music and the world in 1972". Jonna met up with him at Spin-it Records in Moncton.

Dave and Jonna took some time to do a little shopping. Turns out, Dave has a weakness for cassettes.

The host of CBC Radio's Spark talks about her first book, a look at "The Virtual Self".

The grande dame of Acadian letters. Antonine Maillet shares the secrets of a writer's success.

Antoinine Maillet headlines the Frye Festival when she delivers the annual Antonine Maillet - Northrop Frye Lecture at Theatre L'Escaouette Saturday night.

Join Information Morning Moncton Friday from 6 to 8:30 am as we celebrate Moncton's Frye Fest. We'll hear from authors Antonine Maillet, Nora Young and David Gilmour. Jonna visits a local record store with Dave Bidini (pictured). We'll find out why local book clubs are over the moon, AND we'll announce the winner of our Feed ta brain! Contest.

For more information on Frye Fest activities, visit the festival's website.

Click on the comic to enlarge it.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck.

Part 1 of the life-giving and life-affirming story of a woman from Fredericton who offered one of her kidneys to a distant cousin in Moncton.



And here's Part 2 of the Tanya Roy and Judy Caissie story.

Players Vanessa Bastarache (left) and Taylor Cormier joined Kevin Robart of the Greater Moncton minor girls softball association to talk about the all-ages girls softball program in Moncton that's making a difference for young girls.

Public safety and the rights of individuals: a discussion on how we treat people with mental illness in light of the beating death of gay activist Raymond Taavel in Halifax.

Joining Jonna for the discussion was Kim Pate, Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Frye Societies and Dr. Charles Emmrys, a psychologist in Moncton.

St. Boniface, Manitoba-born Raymond Théberge is the new president of l'Université de Moncton. He talked to Jonna about the challenges both he and the university face in the coming years.

Raymond Théberge begins his five-year term at L'Université de Moncton in June. (CBC)

Click on the comic to enlarge it.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck. We'll feature a new comic strip by Eric each Monday in this spot for the next few weeks. Click here for Jonna's interview with Eric.

Jonna interviews the host of the most popular cultural affairs program in Canada, Jian Ghomeshi.

In case you missed it, click here to listen to Jian's opening monologue for Q, live from the Capitol Theatre in Moncton.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck. We'll feature a new comic strip by Eric each Monday in this spot for the next few weeks. Click here for Jonna's interview with Eric.

Click on the comic to enlarge it.

Ernestine LeBlanc of Riverview has crocheted about 180 hats and 25 scarves to send to Swaziland. It's in conjunction with a program run by AIDS Moncton and AIDS Saint John.

"Mon Qui Towne" is the creation of Moncton based illustrator, Eric Dyck. We'll feature a new comic strip by Eric each Monday in this spot for the next few weeks. Click here to see last week's comic strip.

A dog named Trooper is helping some Moncton students learn more about bullying and resiliance. Trooper was taken to the SPCA a couple of weeks ago with serious wounds after being attacked by other dogs. He went to West Riverview Elementary School recently to demonstrate the harm that bullying can have on dogs.

Sheldon Donovan is a Grade 5 student at the school. Sheila Johnston is his teacher. They spoke with the CBC's Karen Rawlines.

Photo: Trooper the dog has visited the Grade 5 class of Sheldon Donovan, right, to show the effects of bullying. (Greater Moncton SPCA/Facebook)

Marc Belliveau, disaster managment associate for the Canadian Red Cross in Moncton, and Moncton Fire Chief Eric Arensenault talk to reporter Kate Letterick about how the city is sending support and relief to flood-ravaged Perth-Andover.

Paddy Quinn and Tracy Robinson are resuming activities at the Fat Bastards Walking Club of Miramichi. They told Jonna on Tuesday that they're back on track after falling off the wagon at Christmas.

Campbellton area singer Jean-Marc Couture won the francophone reality show/music competition Star Academie in Montreal Sunday night. Radio-Canada's cultural reporter Anne-Marie Parenteau was there and talked to Jonna Brewer Monday morning.

(Photo courtesy Productions J)

Right click to save.

Eric Dyck is a cartoonist, illustrator & educator living in Moncton. For the next few weeks, he'll be sharing his unique perspective on life in Moncton in his comic strip, Mon Qui Towne. Check back each Monday for a brand new comic.

Eric was a guest on Information Morning 106.1 FM Monday morning. You can hear his interview with Jonna Brewer.

Click on the comic strip below to enlarge it.

From Eric's archives:

Congratulations to Sebastien Bezeau, winner of our CBC Mug Shot contest! He won the draw for the Kobo eReader Touch. Thanks to everyone who entered for your terrific photos! Stay tuned to 106.1 FM for details on your next chance to win CBC prizes, including another Kobo.

Katherine Houser is a Bernice MacNaughton High School student. It's her first time giving blood. She took part in a program that encourages high school students to donate. We'll hear more about that Thursday after the 7:30 a.m. news on 106.1 FM.

Greater Moncton's Chamber of Commerce says yes to fracking - but with conditions. CEO Nancy Whipp explains the group's position to CBC reporter Marc Genuist.

Paul Ward talks to Jonna Brewer about the strange charges that appeared on his bank statement. Codiac RCMP are asking people to check their bank or credit union statements and to report any suspicious transactions to their financial institution and the police.

RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in identifying suspects in this case. You can visit their website for photos and more information.

Tune in to 106.1 FM Thursday morning after 7:30 am to hear Kate Letterick's interview with players Matt Robertson and Darrell Wonge.

(By the way, Kate is 5'9)

Tommy Hunter is doing four stops in New Brunswick on his farewell tour. He'll perform Thursday night at the Wesleyan Celebration Centre in Moncton and Friday night at the James M. Hill Theatre in Miramichi.

Here's part of his conversation with Jonna Brewer.

Jonna Brewer talks the head of the group that runs the Canadian School of Hockey Officiating about a recent rowdy game in Rothesay over the weekend.

What's profitable about working in the not-for-profit industry? Our workplace columnist has some tips for not-for-profit employees and employers.

Pam Fillier's daughter, Hilary Bonnell, was killed more than two years ago. Fillier says several court delays in the case have been hard on her family.

(photo: RCMP)

When bullying doesn't stop, many blame the teachers. Wednesday on Information Morning, we heard what teachers have to say about that.

Hundreds of people in Greater Moncton ate pancakes Saturday morning to raise money for a three-year-old boy fighting a rare type of cancer. CBC reporter Kate Letterick spoke with his aunt, Laura Williamson.

Photo: courtesy of the Campbell family

We've all sat through painful, ineffective presentations by bosses and colleagues. Why is it so many of us are so bad at communicating our ideas to a group? Our workplace columnist Pierre Battah shares his thoughts and tips.

A Saint John woman's audio valentine to a singer who was her teen idol. She finally connected with him last year at Casino New Brunswick in Moncton.

In the last years of his life, Michael Wartman was considered a hero by many. He moved back to Moncton, publicly declared his HIV status and worked hard to lessen the stigma associated with the disease. But on September 15th, 2000, Michael Wartman passed away. Since his death, his family has carried on his work and they've just won a national award. The CBC's Kate Letterick spoke with his sister, Patti Wartman.

A public works labourer in Moncton who was injured on the job is calling on people to be more careful when they throw away glass. Brian Cawdle was hurt during garbage collection a couple of weeks ago in one of several incidents where waste collectors have been cut by improperly bagged glass.

Some people think the "Occupy Moncton" movement is over, but Matt Bertin is still camping out to protest economic and social inequality. (Photo: Kate Letterick)

You can hear his interview with CBC Reporter Kate Letterick.

What started about five years ago as one-man online video channel has exploded into a newshound paradise in just a year. With more than 3,600 members - and counting - the Moncton Newchaser Facebook group tracks, records and discusses what news is breaking in the community. As Karen Rawlines reports, now the Newschaser is looking to give back.

(Photo taken by Timothy Gaudet)

Hear how it all began. Here's Ray Richard's story from our CBC archives. It originally aired September 23, 2008.

Silicon Valley, Waterloo, Ottawa... the Maritimes? Our workplace issues columnist, Pierre Battah, looks at how to better brand our IT sectors in this part of the world.

My son is a self-avowed computer geek, he eats sleeps and dreams about computers and networks and their potential to cure all that ails humankind. He is under the mistaken assumption that in order to do challenging, a.k.a. cool work in emerging technologies he will need to leave the Maritimes for a large Canadian city or to the US. He is sadly mistaken.

As I recently witnessed firsthand in working with some of our region's leading IT sector companies both big and small, our region has an impressive technology brand to promote.

Employment branding experts remind employers they need to do four things to promote employment in a sector, company, industry or region:

1. Maritime technology employment Identity. Our region's employers are diverse and offer a multitude of great opportunities. Some echo the Microsoft mould of wanting the wizards of detailed processes, others flaunt Apple like work cultures that value creativity. There is something for everyone from well-established institutional employers to the freewheeling on the edge start-ups and everything in between. And they all offer the most sought after thing of all: challenging work on emerging technologies within an environment of world class technology infrastructure.

2. The Promise. This region's promise to potential employees is second to none: work on world class gear, with really bright people on really cool projects. Then throw in a low cost of living and a phenomenal quality of life.

3. The takeaway. Potential Employees need to be reminded of what they will take away from their experience with our region's technology employers. As I came to find out, the experience gained here is world class and will open many future doors within an ever increasing cluster of high tech companies locally or, heaven forbid, outside our region.

4. Promote all of the above 'til the developers come calling. Being a best kept secret is not helpful. The entire sector benefits when individual employers promote themselves aggressively with the government, academic, business and technology communities and especially online to potential applicants. Even better still when sector representatives convey the message loudly to all concerned.

So there is hope for my kid being able to grow his technology career in our region. Our technology sector has an excellent employment brand to convey in order to help our region better leverage the ICT sector, stem emigration and continue to innovate and contribute our economy and our communities.

We're celebrating CBC Canada Reads 2012 with a local twist. We've asked five people in the Moncton area to read and review the books in the national competition. You'll hear one of our reviews each morning this week on 106.1 FM and we'll be posting them here on our website.

We have several Canada Reads books to give away, and two weeks from today, we'll be awarding our grand prize: all five Canada Reads books in a Canada Reads Fabric bag. There are two ways to enter our competition for Canada Reads books:

You can email your mini review on any of the five Canada Reads books or call our Talkback Line with your review: 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061.

Here's a review we received from Linda Vienneau on our Facebook site:

I read The Tiger...great read! Very detailed and interesting information about "Siberian"Tigers in the wild and how they react to threaths from humans who will do them harm. Read it

**********************

Melissa Cormier of Moncton is assistant director of the Frye Festival. This is her review review of Marina Nemat's "Prisoner of Tehran A Memoir".

Marina Nemat arrived in Canada in 1991. The story about how she came to freedom is almost impossible to believe.

Marina was the daughter of second-generation Russian immigrants. She was brought up as an Eastern Orthodox Christian. Both of her grandmothers had immigrated to Iran to escape the Russian Revolution.

The author comes of age in Iran during the late 1970's when Ayatollah Khomeini took power and promised to free the people of Iran from the Shah. In reality, the situation becomes increasingly volatile.

Opposing the policies of the new Islamic government, she attends demonstrations and, at school, speaks out against the revolution . She pays the price and in 1979, at the age of 16 Marina and jailed at a political prison in Tehran.

She serves her sentence in the infamous Evin Prison for speaking out against the Iranian government. She is tortured and sentenced to death. The author narrowly escapes execution when a young man working at the jail intervenes. Her unlikely savior and their incredible story are captivating. Ali Moosavi saves her life, using his connections to spare Marina from execution. It is clear early on that Ali has developed an attachment to Marina. She is forced to marry the young man to save her family from threats of harm. Marina also has to abandon her Christian church amnd convert to Islam.

The book is an inspiring read about courage, perseverance and never losing one's faith. The description of the hardships and horror of the jail are balanced when Marina transports her readers to her childhood in Tehran. She recounts happy moments at her parent's cottage, describing the lush scenery and warmth of the Caspian Sea.

It is impossible not to be inspired by this author's incredible and courageous journey. Despite the atrocities and horrible living conditions she is subjected to, Marina maintains her trust in God. I see her as a heroine, not only for her strong faith, but her ability to survive in prison while helping other young women.

More than 17 years go by before Marina decides to share her story and give the victims a rare voice. Her journey and the ones of many other women similar to hers are too often silenced. We hear stories of wars and conflicts around the world from the news angle. Reading from the perspective of a victim is an eye opening experience.

As a reader, it put so much of my own life in perspective. We get caught in the routine, most of us working too hard. We rarely stop to think about and appreciate our freedom. To those like me who were born and raised in Canada and who live our lives here, it is difficult to imagine not being able to choose what we can read. What we're going to wear. And whom we have relationships with. From now on, I will take the time to appreciate that I am able to choose those things for myself.

**********************

Eugen Weiss of Moncton is a former CBC Radio producer. We invited him to review "Something Fierce" by Carmen Aguirre.

The photo on the cover of Carmen Aguirre's book was probably taken in the late 1980s, around the time she and her soon-to-be-husband-of-war took oaths that pledged their lives first of all to the Chilean resistance.

She would be about 20. The face is not fierce; rather it has that next-to-dead look passports require. Her tale has pointed me to look at her eyes, and I think I see in the broad band of iris in her left eye an illustration of how she turned into tradecraft the terror seeded in her by a platoon of Pinochet's soldiers some 15 years earlier.

This Terror - she sometimes capitalizes it - is a gut sense of being on the edge of an abyss of pain, betrayal and death. It has come upon her thousands of times at night and by day, a panic she has learned to hide by careful control of her breath and even the ordinarily involuntary dilation of the pupil; This, she has learned, border guards and police treat as a flag of fear that puts the lie to any claim of common and innocent purpose. She will call on her tools of calm for the next few years, evading surveillance, carrying instructions into Chile from Argentina. She and her husband learn to fly, and bring supplies to insurgents in the moutains of Chile. Her useful dread first came to Carmen in 1973, after Augusto Pinochet led a bloody coup against the government of Salvador Allende. The authorities in the family's provincial town told her mother to stop wearing pants; her Mami put on skirts; They said, fly the flag as proof of patriotism; she flew it, but at half mast.

Then came the raid. Her parents were out, and 5-year-old Carmen and her 4-year-old sister Ale were at home with a servant. The troops searched the house, questioned the girls, and then before leaving - laughing - subjected them to a mock execution.

Their parents had fled, and - long story short - the girls soon joined them in Vancouver.

Aguirre's book opens six years later. Her Mami and Papi have split. Mami and her new mate Bob have resolved to heed the Chilean resistance's call for exiles to return to wage guerrilla war against the Allende regime. In Bolivia and Argentina, they will set up safe houses for others in the resistance, and later scout out smuggling routes through the Andes. Rather than stay in Vancouver or go to Cuba, the girls would go along; her Mami sensed that even surrounded by Chilean exiles, the girls' sense of home was being erased.

It was risky business. The military dictatorships of Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina shared a war on the left through what was known as Operation Condor.

Aguirre's book traces the course of their undercover lives in sequence; partly in summary, often with the recall of dialogue and of instructions memorized before they were burned and the ashes flushed down a train toilet. It is no surprise that Aguirre has found success in the theatre, as actor and writer. Her text bears the fluidity no doubt helped by her reading drafts of the work at the Banff centre and elsewhere. It is a very human document, often wryly funny. And always overtly confiding and confessional.

The Chilean resistance Aguirre joined didn't win. Pinochet lost a referendum on continuing in power in 1986. By 1990, as his grip on Chile loosened and a liberal democracy began to emerge, the resistance disbanded. The last 500 proscribed exiles, her Mami and Papi among them, were free to return. Some did, if only to visit.

And Aguirre is free to tell of her Terror with corresondingly great candour.

The back flyleaf of her book has a recent photo of Carmen Aguirre. There is nothing impassive about it. Big shiny smile. A twinkle in her eyes has come from the shadows.

***********************

Bruce Dougan from Riverview is manager of the Magnetic Hill Zoo. We think that makes him the perfect choice to review "The Tiger".

Having worked with tigers for most of my 40 years in animal care and knowing how intelligent, powerful and complex they are, I was intrigued and anxious to read "The Tiger". It's a true story of life in Eastern Russia and the reality of the people who live off the what the forest can provide for them. They're in direct competition with the local wildlife. It includes two large cats, amur tigers and amur leopards, and two species of bear, the European brown and black bears.

The story is divided into three main components. The first starts by introducing us to a dedicated wildlife conservationist (Yuri Trush). He was chosen to lead the World Conservation Siberian Tiger Trust in the Bikin river area of the primorye region of Eastern Russia. A formidable job that required the protection of a highly endangered species (the tiger) that was loved, hated, feared and respected by all who lived near the Taiga.

As you hear about Yuri Trush, you learn about the geography of the region and the history of how this area of far Eastern Russia was settled. Life in far eastern Russia is hard, and the pioneers who settled there endured hardships much like pioneers in the western parts of North America a century ago.

The focus then turns to the life of a young local man, Vladimir Markov, who raised bees and lived, at least in part, off of the Taiga (forest), and what he could harvest and in some cases poach from it. This young man was hunted and killed by a tiger that appears to have done so out of revenge. It is the job of Yuri Trush to find this tiger and destroy it.

The second part of the story tells the tale of the second victim of the tiger, a young man from the same village of Solonye who is also killed by the same tiger, now obviously wounded.

Part 3 of the novel concentrates on the hunt to kill the tiger that has terrorized the people of the region. He has now changed his life long hunting patterns and set his sights on human prey. As is mentioned in the novel, once you set on a tiger's trail, you will meet up with him. That's because once he knows you are following him, he will lie in wait to remove the threat. The hunting party does encounter the tiger after tracking him for over a week. The final meeting ends in the death of the tiger. The autopsy revealed that it had been shot several times with different rifles and had been suffering for quite some time.

The book is factual and speaks so the real character and intelligence of the most powerful land predator on earth. Imagine a prize fighter who can knock a man out with one punch. Now multiple his weight by 3 and his strength by 4 and the intensity of an attack by 10 and it may be close to what you would experience if a tiger attacked you. Your end would come quickly.

A quote from Charles Darwin perhaps when speaking of animal intelligence said it best:

Nevertheless the difference in mind between man and the higher animal, great as it is, certainly is one of degree not of kind.

In conclusion, this book was a very interesting story that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter. Having had lifelong relationships with tigers, I can say that their bonds are strong. They are very aware of how certain individuals impact their lives either positively or negatively. They are a very complex animal and certainly one of the most feared and revered. Those traits are very well documented and referenced in the story. The fact that it is based on a true story adds intensity to the tale.

**********************

Tim Belliveau of Moncton grew up on hockey. Now he's retired after spending years writing during his career in public relations and communications for government agencies and institutions. This is is revew of "The Game" by Ken Dryden.

I played a lot of hockey as a kid in the 1950s and 60s. It was a time before global warming where, even in a city like Toronto, we still had real winters and could play endless hours of hockey outdoors. When I was eleven years old, I joined my first real hockey team, the Leaside Rangers. It was like joining the pros. Our sweaters looked just like those of the New York Rangers. Even though I was secretly a Montreal Canadiens fan - a sentiment I inherited from my father - I was still pretty darn proud of that Rangers jersey. Hockey was serious fun. It wasn't just a game it was The Game.

In 1983, former Montreal Canadiens star goaltender, Ken Dryden wrote a book called, appropriately enough, "The Game." What I like most about it is that he captures beautifully this sense of "serious fun." He communicates an unbounded, childlike enthusiasm for the physicality of the game, for its speed, its grace, its rough edges. But, lawyer that he is, he also brings an incisive mind to bear on some of the tougher issues the game faced then and, in some cases, still faces.

At heart, "The Game" is an insider view of hockey at the NHL level. Although it might have been just another ex-NHLer's, supposedly "candid" locker room memoir, "The Game" is something more. It is very well written, nicely paced and thoughtful.

It gets us inside the heads of some of the great players and coaches of the time. It explores the changing nature of the game itself, examines some of the pitfalls of professional sport and communicates some of its joys.

Some of the best moments in the book are really no more than asides. I like, for example, Dryden's description of then-Boston coach Don Cherry stepping down off the boards after one of his typically colourful rants, a "tiny permanent grin on his face, like a ten-year-old kid holding a stink bomb behind his back." The book is spiced with many such moments - both amusing and perceptive.

Thirty years on, The Game is still a great read. For us baby boomers and beyond, it brings back fond memories of the Montreal Canadiens' glory days. For the contemporary hockey fan, it's a reminder that the game has a history and a context, that even at the professional level, it's not always about money - that it often transcends its jock roots and approaches something akin to poetry. Like the game itself, Dryden's book is "serious fun." I recommend it highly.

*********************
Brock Gallant is drummer with the Moncton band, The Divorcees and entertainment manager for the Moncton club, Plan B. He read and reviewed Dave Bidini's book, "On A Cold Road":

Reading "On a Cold Road" as someone who's never been a fan of The Rheostatics seems almost fitting. The book does as much to paint a vivid picture of touring in Canada as it does extolling the pain and frustration of being in a band that has become famous for not becoming famous.

As I thumb through the pages, I constantly refer back to the "Chorus" page at the front of the book. I am trying to match the names of the contributors with their accomplishments that seem to be fading from the Canadian consciousness like the final note of a concert that echoes through The Gardens. Bitterness and resentment speckle the pages of "On a Cold Road." To the uninitiated, it may read like sour grapes. But as a musician who has followed in the wheel tracks of bands like the Rheostatics, across Canada in search of an audience, this bitterness is soothing and reassuring. At the same time it's somewhat heartbreaking.

It's hard to understand what people mean when they say they do it for the love of the music. As Dave Bidini so skillfully demonstrates in his book, we are all influenced by the romance of the generation before us. We see the lights, the big stage. We imagine what it is like to be backstage sipping alcoholic beverages and munching on exotic snacks, or escaping to the confines of our tour bus with blacked out windows.

Drifting from town to town, soaking up the adoration and love of our millions of fans. We dream of a day when we can play our own songs to fans who love us as much as we love those who have sparked our passion for music.

However, as Bidini charts his journey from his first downtown gig at the Edge to some of the band's biggest shows opening for the Hip, we don't get an account of how far they've come and how appreciative they are for the opportunities. Instead, we get a candid account of a band that is insecure, dysfunctional and constantly seeking to determine their own worth by comparison to others. We get a true account of just about any band from Canada (Nickelback, Rush and Bryan Adams excluded).

By the book's final pages, I feel like I have spent a night in the basement of the Townhouse in Sudbury, or in the loft above the Apollo in Thunder Bay or the band room at Plan B in Moncton. I feel like I have been welcomed to the after-party. It's where the players have finally put to rest the bravado and ego that is required to perform on stage, night in and night out, and have begun to reveal, like they all do at these after parties, the war stories.

It's these stories from musicians of all stripes and stature that provide balance in this book. They remind us all that what happens on stage is a "show." It's not real, no matter how much we want it to be. We all play lousy gigs. We all fight. We all say things we wish we hadn't. We all do silly things in the name of showmanship. We always think that by the next gig we'll get it all figured out.

But we won't. With the exception of a very few, musicians in Canada will always feel this way. We'll be pushed into believing that we need to go south or to Europe or some far off land to finally become successful in Canada. This is the book I would have written if I were finished playing music in Canada. But I'm not done yet. Bidini's book has reminded me that I do play for the love of music. I do it FOR the lousy gigs, and the failed experiments because, on the other side of the coin, someone is watching me completely oblivious to my own insecurities and shortcomings. They don't know what I intended to play, they just know the show. And the show must go on.

Workplace issues columnist Pierre Battah talks about drawing the line between private life and work life.

Fire departments from across New Brunswick are offering help to the village of Rogersville.

(photo: RCMP)

Rogersville's fire department, municipal hall and RCMP detachment were destroyed by fire Monday morning.

Financial advisor Dan Noel's tips on how to make a donation that makes a difference.

After two days of being caught in a trap, this dog is lucky to be alive.

(Photo courtesy VetCare Pet Hospital Trites Road Ltd)

Marianne Mepham-Newton, a senior development officer for the Horizon Health Network, talks to Jonna Brewer about a new program to honor hospital staff for exceptional care.

MHS drama teacher and show director Michael McAardle with cast members Andrew Botten and Julie Lavoie.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee opens tonight at Moncton High School Auditorium. ShowtimesThursday and Friday are 7:30. p.m.Saturday there's an afternoon matinee at 2 and an evening performance at 7:30.

Then the cast will do it all again next week -- with an evening performance on the 16th-- Friday night, at 7:30. And two performances on Saturday, December 17th at 2 in the afternoon and 7:30 at night. It will close on Sunday, the 18th with a matinee at 2.

Tickets are 10 dollars for students and seniors and 12 dollars for adults. You can pick them up at Reads' Newsstands, Ford's Apothecary, Frank's Music, at the Moncton High School Office and at the door.

Taking time off for the holidays? Our workplace issues columnist Pierre Battah says leave your work at the office.

It's a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner. Moncton's 14th annual Turkey Drive officially starts Wednesday. But students at Bernice MacNaughton High School got off to an early start by being part of the kick-off event on Monday.

You can drop turkeys off at the back of the St. George Street Fire Station (at the corner of St. George and Milner Road) between the hours of 10 in the morning and 7 in the evening starting Wednesday, November 30. You can also call the Turkey Central telephone line at 853-3408. And you can track the turkey drive online.

On the heels of a scathing report from the province's Auditor General, officials from Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe will meet with the Environment minister Friday to discuss how to make the commission more accountable. Jonna Brewer spoke with Moncton city manager, Jacques Dubé.

Fractured Future is a five part series looking at shale gas development in NB. Who is welcoming the industry? Who opposes the development of it and what's in it for the province? Reporter Connell Smith has been looking into the issue.

Tune in to Information Morning, Shift, CBC TV and visit cbc.ca/nb for more on our series Fractured Future.

Commuting to work is not just a big city issue. Many Maritimers make difficult choices and spend a lot of time in planes, trains, buses and cars for daily, weekly or seasonal commutes. Pierre Battah is our Monday workplace issues specialist. He's a management consultant specializing in Human Resources in Moncton.

Margot Bandy, pictured with Living Christmas Tree producer Don Ingersoll, talked to Vanessa Monday about her great balancing act. She volunteers her time as a choir member for the Christmas production, and she's a wife and mother to ten children (aged five to 23).

This is the 39th year for the production. There are seven shows that start Wednesday. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased online or by calling 383-TREE (383-8733).

Thanks to everyone who supported the Tree of Hope campaign, including musicians who donated their time and talent, the people who shared their stories of courage and hope, and anyone who made a donation towards our two-day goal of $1.6 million.

You can still donate: 1-800-862-6775 or by visiting the Tree of Hope website.

Here are some of the highlights from our CBC Radiothon:

And drop by NBCC Dieppe Friday for Radio-Canada's l'Arbre de l'espoir radiothon from 6 a.m until 8 p.m.

Congratulations and thanks to Dana Richard and Renelle Richard for placing the winning bids on our Matt LeBlanc paintings, "Existence" and "Sometimes". You've raised $545 for the Tree of Hope campaign for cancer research and treatment in NB. For more on Matt LeBlanc's work, visit his website. And join us for our Tree of Hope Radiothon Thursday morning at the Dieppe Community College between 6 and 10.

Thanks to everyone who stepped up to support the Tree of Hope campaign, and special thanks to Dieppe artist Matt LeBlanc for donating his fantastic paintings! All proceeds benefit the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation in its work to support cancer research and treatment in New Brunswick.

You can hear Matt LeBlanc's interview with Jonna Brewer about his work.

Rosemarie St. Pierre Willis is co-author of the book Beyond the Call - The Life and Legacy of Mark Gallagher. Proceeds from the book will go toward the construction of a 15 classroom Vocational Trade School in Haiti which will be named after him.

You can hear Kate Letterick's interview with Rosmarie St. Pierre Monday, on Information Morning after 6:30 a.m.. The book is available at Hallmark stores throughout the Maritimes and online.

The Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission promised to be more open and accountable to Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview councils during a special meeting Tuesday night. The CBC's Marc Genuist was there.

Commission treasurer Doug Baker, on right, presented a 15-point plan for change at the meeting. (Marc Genuist/CBC)

52-year-old Douglas Hugh Stewart was sentenced to five years in prison Monday for accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography. Stewart will also be added to the sex offender registry. Hear more about his sentence, along with Jonna's conversation with a psychiatrist about the treatment of sex offenders.

New Brunswick Conservatives are openly disputing claims that they promised not to raise taxes during last year's election campaign. Conservatives raised a number of taxes - nearly $100 million worth - to fight the deficit in their first budget. Now, they say if those deficit numbers don't improve, they may have to do it again in budget #2 next spring. But that clearly breaks a promise Conservatives made during last year's election not to raise taxes - or does it? Conservatives now say that promise was a misunderstanding and they're not bound by it.

The CBC's Robert Jones looked into the matter and talks with Jonna about his findings.

The dream is still alive. Melanie Morgan of Cap Pele and her band will compete in the finals on CBC's Cover Me Canada. At stake? $100,000 and a recording contract. Jonna Brewer spoke with her Monday.

65-year-old Raymond Joseph White was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years in connection with the killing of a mother and son near Sackville back in 1995. He admitted to murdering Mary-Lou Barnes and her 12-year-old sonm Larry Mills Jr.. We hear from the boy's father and one of the police officers who never gave up on the case.

Larry Mills Sr. (In cowboy hat) surrounded by the police officers who never stopped trying to solve the case. He thanked them all outside courthouse Tuesday. (Photo: Kate Letterick/CBC)

Melanie Morgan of Cap-Pelé and her band members Danny Bourgeois, Mike Bourgeois, Daniel Roy and Marc Leger are making a big impression on CBC's Cover Me Canada. We'll hear more about her success and her hometown support Friday on Information Morning.

The Moncton Hospital is adding extra staff to its youth psychiatric unit after three teens escaped from the facility on Monday. CBC reporter Karen Rawlines has been following the story of one of the teens and her family's struggle to find psychiatric help in New Brunswick.

Hear how a chance meeting led to a video game contract and a Hollywood wedding invite for a Moncton businessman. Jonna Brewer talks to George Donovan of Gogii Games about his connection with Gene Simmons of KISS and Canadian girlfriend, Shannon Tweed.

Jonna Brewer speaks with Lawrence Hill about his bestselling novel, The Book of Negroes.

Lawrence Hill will be the star at the Frye Festival's Community Read event this (Tuesday) evening from 5 to 7 at Moncton City Hall. Admission is "Pay What You Can". A reception hosted by the City of Moncton will follow.

Jay Edgett of Dorchester has been fishing most of his life and he has many fish stories to tell. But just wait until you hear about his catch this week: a rare shark in the Petitcodiac River. Here is his story, followed by an interview with the head of the Canadian Shark Laboratory at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

Photo courtesy of Jay Edgett

Warnings are circulating by email and on social networking sites saying the White Hickory Tussock - a caterpillar native to Canada and parts of the U.S. - is dangerous, but some experts say people shouldn't be concerned. Charlene Donahue is a forest entomologist with the Department of Conservation in Maine. She spoke with the CBC's Jonna Brewer Thursday to set the record straight.

The warnings about the White Hickory Tussock being dangerous aren't really accurate, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people. City of Fredericton

The Information Morning Blend is back it at the Down East Coffee booth at the Moncton Market Saturday mornings. And we have six bags of Information Morning Blend to give away today along with CBC travel mugs.

To enter, tell us why you listen to Information Morning 106.1 FM.

There are two ways to enter:

Call Talkback: 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061

Or, you can enter by going to our Facebook page.Click "like" and leave a comment, telling us why you listen to Information Morning 106.1 FM.

We'll draw for the coffee/mug prize packs Friday at noon.

More than 30 hot air balloonists are participating in the 26th annual Atlantic International Balloon Fiesta this week.

Doug Shippee (in photo) of Saint John is not just an enthusiast. At age 82, he's the oldest licenced balloon pilot in Canada. The CBC's Michael Richard LeBlanc went up with Doug and his fellow pilot Jim Rogers aboard the Sinbad.

First flights are scheduled for Thursday, Septemer 8 around suppertime, but the festival begins officially Friday.

Last November, after a propane tank exploded at Country Kids Daycare in Riverview, staff memeber Michelle Talbot went back in to the building to make sure no one was left inside.
She suffered first and second degree burns on her legs. And she was off work for almost half a year. Today, Country Kids is opening a new building, on the site where the one that was detroyed used to stand. And that's where Talbot will be working from now on. The CBC's Bailey White sat down with Michelle Talbot, inside that new building.

The discovery of the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle at Kouchibouguac National Park may spell big trouble for the tree population there. Vanessa Blanch speaks with Michael Rosen, a forester and president of Tree Canada.

Thousands of trees in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park were cut more than a decade ago in an effort to halt an outbreak of Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle . CBC

Tune in to Information Morning Friday on 106.1 FM to find out who won tickets to see Glen Campbell in Moncton.

City of Moncton crews are busy cleaning up fallen trees and branches. A couple of silver maples came crashing down in Victoria Park.

Crews received close to 60 reports from around the city Monday. In this photo, a crew member works to remove a branch cracked by Irene's strong winds.

City of Moncton arborist Dan Hicks will join us Tuesday morning after 7 a.m. on 106.1 FM.

Our culinary series called "Assis-Toi" continues Friday on 106.1 FM with a look at pasties, a type of food that resembles a calzone or a giant pastry perogie.

Recipe for Cornish Pasty:

Sift 450g flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt.

Add 275g fat (half lard, half margarine is my preference, but any fat is ok, you can do all butter if you prefer, or all margarine for our vegan friends).

Blend the fat into the flour (I use a hand pastry blender, makes life easier).

Add cold water a tablespoon at a time, just enough to bind the pastry.

Wrap your pastry in plastic wrap and put in the fridge while we prepare our fillings.

Thinly slice about 8oz flank steak, make sure to cut across the grain so it's nice and tender.

Chop a couple of decent sized russet potatoes, 1 onion, and some swede (rutabaga).

Take our pastry out of the fridge, divide it into 3 parts, and roll them into circles (about 1/8 inch thick).

Layer of potato, salt + pepper.
Layer of swede, salt + pepper.
Layer of meat, salt + pepper.
Layer of onion, salt + pepper.
Layer of potato, salt + pepper.

Add a generous dob of butter (this makes the gravy), and dust with flour.
Wet the edge of the pastry and fold over and crimp, cut a hole in the middle to let steam escape.

Brush with milk, or for a darker finish, an egg yolk with 1tbsp milk.
Bake at 375 for an hour.

Tune in Thursday for Part One of "Assis-toi", our summertime series celebrating the art of casual dining. The man who will hold the fork, knife and spoon is freelance journalist and foodie, Simon Thibeault. In the first episode of the series, Simon drops by the home of Damien French to learn about salt cod.

Recipe for salt cod
1 lb salt cod
1/2 lb peeled and chopped potatoes
1/2 onion, chopped
1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 stick of butter (or more to taste)
1 bay leaf
pepper to taste

Equipment you will need
a 9" casserole dish or pie plate
food processor or food mill

Take the cod and rinse it with cold water. Place it in a bowl and change the water every hour, over three hours. Taste it. If you think it's still too salty, rinse it once more.

Once de-salted to your liking, add the cod to a fresh pot of water, add the bay leaf and place on stove and bring to a steady simmer over medium heat. Cook for twenty to twenty five minutes until just falling apart. Drain and reserve the fish, discarding the leaf.
Place the potatoes in another pot of water, bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and reserve the potato.

Meanwhile, soften the onions in a skillet with a 1/2 the butter over medium-low heat.

If using a food processor:
Once all the ingredients are properly cooked, place inside the food processor and pulse until the mixture is well blended. If the mix is dry, add a small amount of milk to help it bind together.

If using a food mill:
Pass each ingredient through the mill seperately, and then blend together. If too dry, add a small amount of milk to help it bind together.
Add pepper to taste.

Place the mix inside the casserole/dish and cover with breadcrumbs and dot with the remaining butter. Place in the oven under the broiler and cook until the crumbs are nice and golden (usually less than 5 minutes).

Serve with pickles or chow chow.

Acadie-Bathurst MP Yvon Godin shares his thoughts upon the death of his party leader, Jack Layton.

The spider-like concrete ruins by the side of an isolated road in rural New Brunswick...and its connection to one of the most colourful politicians in Quebec history. That's the subject of this week's story on In Plain Sight, our weekly summer series about the hidden history of some of the region's objects, landmarks and structures.

SNAP Moncton Publisher Debbie Holloway (left) and editor Carole McLatchie flank host Dave MacDonald. The magazine that covers socials, soirees and gatherings is celebrating its first anniversary in Moncton.

Thursday's Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) Golf Tournament in Moncton raised $115,000. Funds raised by the events associated with the PGI support the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick.

Founded in 1986 by former broadcaster and journalist Peter Gzowski, the PGI Golf Tournaments for Literacy have raised more than $11 million dollars for adult literacy in Canada.

Team CBC (from left): Mike Ferguson, friend of the Gzowski poem contest winner; Tom Spencer, Senior Account Manager CBC Media Sales; Harry Forestell, host of CBC TV News @ 5, 5:30 & 6:00; Information Morning's Dave MacDonald; and contest winner John Timpson. Missing from photo: CBC producer, Michael Richard LeBlanc.

63-year-old Romeo Cormier was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison Thursday for kidnapping a Moncton woman and holding her captive for nearly a month. CBC reporter Kate Letterick was in the courtroom.

34-year-old Darryl Deagle died doing what he loved. The self-described adrenalin junkie was killed in a skydiving accident on Saturday in Notre Dame. Friend and fellow skydiver, David Hodge, spoke with Dave MacDonald Tuesday morning.

To find out more about the effort to support Darryl Deagle's young family, visit the website his friends have created.

Amanda Dawn Christie talked to Dave MacDonald about her current experimental film project, which involves marking the end of the analog TV era.

Dianne Ayles (right) and Kelsey O'Brien are two of the volunteers helping to organize the Salisbury Community Days that start on Thursday. They joined Dave MacDonald in studio to talk about how Salisbury and the surrounding communities all get together to celebrate.

You and 9 friends could be rockin' out at the U2 360° World Tour concert in Moncton. All you have to do is submit a video or audio telling us why you think you are U2's Ultimate Fan. Be creative because the winner will be chosen by popular vote.

Submit Your Entry by going to CBC.ca/nb and click on the U2 feature box.

Upload a video or audio submission by visiting the CBC New Brunswick Your Story portal
Leave an audio recording by telephone at: 1-877-222-1061

Important Dates
Deadline for audio and video submissions is July 25 12:00 PM
Voting begins July 25 12:00 PM
Voting ends July 27 @ 12:00 PM

Roger Augustine, Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, joins us in studio to recap this week's events at the Assembly of First Nations.

Two of the members (Suzanne & Nathalie) of the Jolina String Quartet joined Jonna Brewer in studio today to talk about what it's like for a new classical music entity to establish its reputation and grow its repertoire. The quartet plays a wedding in Moncton tonight. From left are Sarah De Niverville, Anick Carruthers, Suzanne Cyr and Nathalie Fontaine. For more information or to book the quartet, email Suzanne at sueviolin@rogers.com

Constable Bev White and "Cybil", the Hanoverian Mare she partners with on the RCMP Musical Ride. Bev chatted with Jonna Brewer this morning about how being part of the Ride, something that's been a dream of hers since childhood when she was a member of the Rothesay Pony Club just outside Saint John.

Moncton born John Walke talks to us about his fashion house, Superstein, and his new collection being launched at th City Pride celebration.

Codiac RCMP officer Luc Touchette (right) and Special Olympics events organizer Glen Agnew chatted with Jonna Brewer this morning about the Law Enforcement Torch Run. It's a fundraiser for the Special Olympics that will be held in tandem with the RCMP Musical Ride tomorrow in Dieppe.

The second edition of In Plain Sight takes us to an inspiring sacred space on PEI that's the result of a collaboration by two famous brothers from the Island. In Plain Sight is designed to focus not on just tourist hotspots, but instead on those objects, structures and landmarks that give some hidden dimension to those locations. IPS is a Radio-Canada/CBC co-production conceived by Michael Richard LeBlanc, who produced the series with Lise Lorrain. Its executive producer is Robert Arsenault.
Next week, another storyteller takes us to the small piece of Norway you can still see and touch when you're in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia.

Jessica Cameron-Caissy and Jacques Allain dropped by our studio to chat with Jonna about their upcoming journey to Cuzco, Peru, where they will be volunteering their time at an orphanage for boys. To donate to their project, you can contact Jessica at 227-5382 or email her at ejc8741@umoncton.ca
And if you'd like to know more about the NGO they're involved with, check out http://www.volunteerhq.org/

Executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing-Home Residents Rights, Cecile Cassista, talks on how seniors can be safe durring the sunny weather.

National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Shawn Atleo, talks about the events surrounding the AFN General Annual Assembly being held this week.

Denise Richard is a fibre-arts instructor at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. She's in her hometown of Moncton this summer conducting and co-ordinating mask-making workshops and revamping the set and design of "Figaro", one of the Atlantic Ballet Theatre repertoire pieces.

Cirque du Soleil is coming to Harbour Station and Information Morning has a seat for you and your family! All you have to do to enter the draw is join our new CBC Information Morning Facebook Fan Page. Post your favourite circus memory and you're automatically in the draw for a four-person family pass to see Cirque du Soleil on Saturday July 16.

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 13th at noon and we'll announce the winner on Thursday's show.

There's a fracture in the anti-fracking movement in New Brunswick. We'll hear from a Corn Hill area resident who thinks the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development is making a big mistake in endorsing the province's regulatoy changes for shale gas development.

Moncton-born soprano, Carol Léger and Opera New Brunswick's Ann Jamieson talk about the upcoming concert series at the church in Grand-Barachois.

Sea, sand and technology. Not the best of pals. Find out what to do if you have a mishap at the beach this summer with your favourite high tech gadget. Listen to Christine McLean's interview with technology writer and new media consultant, George Butters.

We've heard from a group applauding the city's decision to add bike lanes to the Shediac and Salisbury Roads. On Friday, Jonna Brewer spoke with a commuter who opposes the idea.

What do you think? Call our Talkback Line at 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061.
Or post a message on our CBC Facebook site.

A program aimed at helping homeless people who are suffering from mental illness takes its second step. Now that participants are in apartments, many are ready to work. And a farmer in Grande Digue is giving them that chance.

CBC's Vanessa Blanch has the story.

The CBC's Vanessa Blanch goes to camp.

For more information, visit the website for Camp Centennial.

Nick Bradshaw is living his childhood dream of drawing superheroes for a living. He's signed a one year deal with Marvel, working on the X-Men series.

Here's some of Nick's previous work:

Vanessa Blanch shares sounds of the celebration from the Maeng family rally in Moncton yesterday.

Monday on Information Morning, our workplace issues specialist talks about some of the must-haves on your business and career book reading list this summer.

Rework - Jason Fried

The Why of Work - Dave Ulrich

Drive - Daniel Pink

Seven Strategies of Master Negotiators - Dr Brad McRae

The Complete New Manager - John Zenger

From Values to Action - Harry Kraemer

Classic & timeless pick: Management - Peter Drucker

Pierre's guilty pleasure pick: Mojo - Marshall Goldsmith

In Moncton, an ex-federal cabinet minister, a young researcher and an unemployed truck driver are at the centre of an initiative that might just make a difference in the lives of people with mental illness, and no place to live.

The CBC's Vanessa Blanch tells us about the "At Home-Chez Soi" program.

She's the only woman on the hit CBC TV series "Dragon's Den". But marketing entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson says she really doesn't think about that. She's simply a business person. Dickinson was in Moncton Thursday to address a business forum for women.

Listen to her interview with Kate Letterick.

Arlene Dickinson (left) poses with the CBC's Kate Letterick.

Pierre Battah says employees cannot be at their best without clear expectations and feedback.

From the hills of Kent County to the hills of Hollywood. We'll update you on the career of wrestler-turned-actor Robert Maillet.

Maillet plays a Russian boxer in The Big Bang.(thebigbang-movie.com)

Hear how the family of Sabrina Patterson is coping after her death and what they're doing to help victims of violence.

The Crossroads for Women Fundraiser and Marathon in Sabrina Patterson's memory takes place in Sackville June 4th. For more information, visit the website:

www.neverforgetyou.ca

Moncton-based gaming company, Gogii Games, are offering one hundred thousand dollars in publising contracts and talk about the criteria behind it.

Part one of a two part series on some of the latest research on Alzheimers disease and the effect of music and memory.

The director and two members of Moncton High's production of The King and I talk about their upcoming debut.

The sounds of Frye Fest

The 12th edition of the Frye Festival came to a close Sunday with a little jazz and a little poetry in the Moncton Airport Lounge. Our reporter Matt Tunnacliffe was there, and he brings us this report of the sounds of the 2011 Frye Festival

Margaret Atwood charms Moncton

It was the Frye Festival's big night, and it didn't disappoint. Over 600 people packed the Capitol Theatre in Moncton Saturday to hear Margaret Atwood give the Antonine Maillet-Northrup Frye Lecture. In her lecture she talked about Canada's literary mythology, her early years at Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and of course, Northrup Frye.

Listen to an excerpt:

(Photo credit: Emmanuel Albert)

Sylvia Tyson's new novel

Folk music pioneer Sylvia Tyson is town for Moncton's Frye Fest. Now in her 70's, she has emerged as an accomplished novelist. Her first novel, Joyner's Dream, came out a couple of months ago. It tells the story of eight generations of a family, all from the points of view of eight very different characters.

Listen to the full interview:

Listen to the full interview here.

You can find Sylvia Tyson's "MP3 album", called Joyner's Dream-the Kingfold Suite, at joynersdream.zunior.com

From Rocket to Richler

Author Charles Foran talks to Dave MacDonald about his two biographies of major Canadian figures from Quebec. Mordecai: the Life and Times is a sprawling potrait of author Mordecai Richler. It was followed this year by Foran's study of Maurice Richard.

Frye for kids

Over the past quarter-century, Kenneth Oppel has become a household name in Canadian children's literary circles. He's published 26 books for kids and young adults, with a 27th coming out this summer. Our Frye Festival reporter Matt Tunnacliffe met up with him at Bessborough School.

And the winner is ...

Johanna Skibsrud has both feet firmly planted in two literary camps: poetry and prose. Her poetry collection, Late Nights with Wild Cowboys, was published in 2008. Her first novel, The Sentimentalists, won the Giller Prize in 2010. Jonna Brewer caught up with her during Moncton's Frye Festival and asked her about winning the Giller.

What's on your Kindle?

The LP became the CD, the VHS tape the DVD and the Walkman became the iPod. The way we consume our media is constantly changing, and the book world is no exception. Reporter Matt Tunnacliffe checked out a discussion on "New Technology and the Changing Face of Reading".

Happy to be here

A primer on the Frye Festival from the man whose website pays homage to the scholar raised in Moncton. Dave MacDonald speaks with Michael Happy.

The co-chair of the New-Brunswick Energy Commision lets us know what they heard during their public consultations.

For the past two years, the YMCA of Greater Moncton have organized a community garden program. Gillian Johnson and Jaime MacLellan talk about their involvement within the program.

Margaret Atwood will deliver the Antonine Maillet-Northrop Frye Lecture Saturday, April 30th at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton.

We have a pair of tickets to the event to give away PLUS an autographed copy of The Year of the Flood. Here's how to enter.

Tell us your Margaret Atwood story. Maybe you've had a chance to meet her, or hear her speak at a public event. Maybe one of her books made a big impression on you.
Maybe you've tweeted with her on Twitter. We want to hear about it.

Call with your Margaret Atwood story and we'll enter your name in our draw. 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061. Or send an email to infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca

Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 28 at noon.

School District 2 students prove that every little bit counts. CBC's Jen Hudson speaks to a little girl at Hillcrest School about her contribution.

The second annual Cyclebetes event is being held at Harrison Trimble High School today. Two organizers and a participant talk about their involvement within the event.

AGE: 110
LIVES IN: Rogersville, New Brunswick.
ABOUT FLORA: Flora Thibodeau is old enough to remember a time when women couldn't vote. Women in New Brunswick were only give the vote on April 17th, 1919 - more than a year after women across Canada were franchised for federal elections. The CBCs Jen Hudson recently visited Mrs. Thibodeau at her home to talk politics.

Information Morning Moncton's Parental Panel talks about the difficulties of a family's diet.

Roger Ouellette, Political Science Professor at UdeM, talks about the 2011 French Electoral Debate held last night.

Catherine Arseneault and Annie France Noël of the TBA Collective talk about an upcoming show they've helped organize.

Two students attending the Université de Moncton talk about their transition from French Immersion in High School and University level francophone classes.

Psychiatrist Dr. Barbara Ross will be at a booth at Atlantic Canada's largest Wellness Expo on saturday and Sunday at Mathieu Martin High School in Dieppe.

Executive director of the Volunteer Center of Southeastern New Brunswick, Anette Vautour-Mackay, explains the big breakfast celebration in honour of hundrends of community volunteers.

With a modern stadium on the UdeM campus, great interest in having a footbal team rooted at the university is being pushed by the Univerity's communications directo, Linda Schofield.

Music chronicler and bloggist, Ken Kelley, talks about his website's popularity and the 2011 ECMAs.

Starting April 11, National Wildlife Week, journalist and naturalist Alain Clavette will introduce us to five people who love nature as much as he does. Tune in to his series about New Brunswick naturalists on Information Morning 106.1 FM in Moncton after the 6:30 news each morning.

Click here for more information on National Wildlife Week.

And listen to Information Morning to find out how you could win prizes from the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Hear Alain Clavette's full interview with naturalist, Roger LeBlanc.

Hear Alain's interview with naturalists Dwayne Biggar and six-year-old Noah Biggar.

Hear Alain's interview with naturalists Cathie Smith.

Alain visits Riverview High School where he talks with student Daniel Delong and naturalist Nelson Poirier.

Hear Alain's conversation with naturalist Stuart Tingley.

The first of Information Morning Moncton's Friday Election Panel talk about the political issues at hand.

Our very own Dave MacDonald went to speak to a journalism class at Riverview High and decided to take an oppurunity to talk to the teacher and her students.

Jordan Grondin, 15-year-old from Beaverbrook, Albert County, talks about his upcoming challenge while he participates in this year's 30 Hour Famine.

Assistant Sociology Department Professor, Vanessa Oliver and student researcher, Melissa Godbout, share what they learned from a project in Sackville designed to study and support family literacy.

Information Morning's Technology Columnist, Jesse Hirsh, talks about Cybercriminals and your virtual cash.

Information Morning's Gas Guru, Robert Jones, talks about the upcoming gas hike and the details on the cost of propane.

A flag-raising ceremony is being held at Moncton's city hall in honor of Tartan Day. John Patterson and Adam Leith Pietrantonio talk about the new flag and its conception.

President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, Avrim Lazar, talks about the wood industry that is poised for a comeback.

Senior Vice President of the Grocery Division at the Retail Council of Canada, David Wilkes, clears up the issue of price changes at the grocery store.

Rebecca MacKenzie, event/brand promoter and clothing desiner, and Paula Morand, Found & CEO of JumpStart 720 International, talks about the upcoming fashion gala to be held at Casino Moncton in benefit of the Heart and Stroke foundation of New Brunswick.

A group of volunteers installed a new home for peregrine falcons on a sign on the side of the Assumption Place building.

Naturalist Dwayne Biggar prepares the nesting box.

The view from inside. (Photos courtesy Alain Clavette)

Green party Leader, Jack MacDougall, talks about the recent news on Elizabth May's rejection from the national debate.

Lezlie Lowe, a freelance writer and broadcaster in Halifax, reads us her letter to the City of Moncton.

With the federal Political campaign underway, we talk with our parenting panel on the involvement of politics with children.

With the first day of the Major League Basball's regular season starting tomorrow, we check up on an upcoming baseball tournament to be held this summer.

Even though Bernard Richard, New Brunswick's Ombudsman, is retiring this thursday, he will continue to work as a volunteer.

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs and Liberal Member Roland Hache express their views on the Film Tax Credit yesterday in the Legistlature.

The first Kin Film Contest, a partnership between the Miramichi's Kinsmen Club and School District 16, helps to shed light on the importance of volunteerism.

Pascal Pelletier, owner of the Aboriginal art galler Klu'Skap in Moncton, talks about his search for new creative talent in the Aboriginal community.

Denior Financial Advisor, Dan Noel, brings us last minute tips for this year's tax season.

After the Film Tax Credit being cut from the New-Brunswick upcoming budget, local productions are packing up and moving to Nova-Scotia.

Tamara Small, Political Science Professor and Department Head at Mount Allison University, talks about how social medias will have an impact on the 2011 federal elections.

The 2 year program that helped get older vehicles off the road ends on the 31st of March, 2011. Retire Your Ride's program co-ordinator, Roshini Kassie, talks about the upcoming wrap up.

Producer and Director of Mozus Productions, Maurice Aubin, says provincial budget cuts will spell the end of the independent film and media industry in New Brunswick.

Matt Rainnie talks about the new Alien Comedy flick, Paul.

Dave MacDonald and Mashall Button share some of your suggestions for a new slogan for New Brunswick.

Thanks to everyone who entered our winter photo contest. Everyone who entered will receive a CBC travel mug and coffee. This is one winter we're happy to kiss goodbye.

Thanks to Wayne Gallant for this photo taken in Riverview. What a hoot!

Ted Bartlet snapped this photo of icicles just off the ski trail in Centennial Park earlier this month. "I suspect they will be history by the time you read this," he writes.

Thanks to this rooftop "Frosty" submission from Dana Dalrymple of Moncton.

Julie Kean Marks took these snowy photos below from her home on Gowland Mountain near Elgin, NB.

Frank McFarlane of Miramichi writes,"thanks for a great morning program. I drive from Miramichi to Bathurst in the morning Monday to Friday, I get to enjoy a good portion of your program every day. You were asking for odd snow formations, My photo is actually frost on the windshield of a car, This is the only time that I have seen this frost pattern. I thought you may like to see it."

Stephen Brooks sent this photo of his daughter, Bishop Brooks.

Last, but not least, we wanted to share this note from former CBC reporter, Jay Simpson. He writes, "as happens every so often, this morning my heart returned to Moncton and my Information Morning friends. Here's my entry into the Information Morning Winter Photo Contest, taken recently not far from where I live in Mexico City. I call it "The Cruel Heart Of January". Thanks, Jay.

Visit www.cbc.ca/japanrelief to find out how you can help.

Those old rabbit ears will soon be joining eight track players and walkmans in technology's graveyeard. CBC plans to shut down its analogue transmitters serving Moncton and Saint John as part of a nation-wide move to digital television September 1st. Dave MacDonald spoke with Steven Guiton, vice-president and chief regulatory officer with the CBC.

Thanks to this submission from Dana Dalrymple of Moncton:

While driving my daughter to school today, I heard you mention that there have not been many entries in the winter photo contest . This reminded me of something I saw in my neighbourhood yesterday that brought a smile to my face, so I doubled back & drove by it again this morning to snap a quick pic with my backberry. It is't a wonderland scene, but it is definately a WINTER scene :) resolution is not perfect, but the idea is there: something like making lemonade when life gives you lemons! haha
Love your Show!

Send us a photo and we'll enter your name into a draw for a CBC travel mug and a bag of Information Morning Blend from Down East Coffee. Send photos to infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca

From the City of Moncton:

Localized Boil Order recommended

MONCTON - The City of Moncton wishes to advise residents that a boil order has been put into effect as a precautionary measure following this morning's major water main break. Although repairs are being made with care, there is a possibility that the water may have become contaminated.

Residents and businesses most affected by this situation are in the following zones (click here to view map):

Mountain Road area north of Wheeler Boulevard, bounded by Mapleton Road and Berry Mills Road including Kingswood Park and Valhalla areas, Magnetic Hill and Mapleton Place
Mountain Road area bounded by Millenium Boulevard/Berry Mills Road over to West Lane Including the Pinehurst Sub-division area, Collishaw Street area and area west of the Moncton Hospital
Shediac Road area beyond Pleasant Street, Caledonia Industrial Park, and Elmwood drive area north of Queen Elizabeth Street.

*Please note: The city's two hospitals use secondary water sources and are not affected by this situation.

Users may experience discoloured water or air in their plumbing systems. Residents who completely lose water pressure should flip the circuit breaker for their hot water heaters to prevent damage to the heating elements.

At this time we advise that any water that is to be ingested (including drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, making coffee/tea or juice, and washing raw vegetables) should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute, and then be allowed to cool for use. This is particularly important for those whose immune system is compromised (i.e., elderly, infants and people with transplanted organs, on dialysis, with HIV/Aids, etc.). Water which has been properly boiled is safe.

Chemical contamination is not suspected, and water may be used without boiling for showers and bathing. It is safe to wash dishes by hand or in a dishwashing machine in hot water and soap, followed by air drying.

Testing will continue over the next 72 hours to ensure the highest standards of water quality are offered to our residents, and public advisories will be sent when the boil order is lifted.

Tech columnist, Jesse Hirsh, talks about the new threat of smartphone hacking.

Robert Jones, CBC's Gas Guru, talks about the upcoming changes in gas and fuel prices.

Hot peppers and chemistry might be blended together to fight certain types of cancer. A professor and his students at Mount Allison share their studies.

With the new release of information concerning the state of awareness of North-American Truck Drivers, some of them have contacted us with their opinions on the matter.

Radio-Canada's Meteorologist, William Bourque, talks about the upcoming blizzard set to take over most of New Brunswick.

Movie columnist Matt Rainnie reviews the movie Unknown and talks about the upcoming Oscars.

Lucien talks about this years Roll Up The Rim and how it stands as a Canadian symbol.

After a CBC News report by Alex Freedman uncovering that Thousands of Canadian Trucking companies have violated Amercian road safety rules, RoadWolf Trucking's owner Art Jones talks about the other side of the story.

Thanks to Bishop Brooks (pictured with icicle) for sharing her photo.

What ice or snow "sculptures" have you spotted? Send us a photo and we'll enter your name into a draw for a CBC travel mug and a Tim Hortons gift card. Send your photos to infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca

Jesse Hirsh talks about the involvement of a new US bill to keep the freedom of the Internet.

We have a great prize package for Stuart McLean fans: five pairs of tickets up for grabs PLUS a chance to meet Stuart in person in Moncton March 4. The grand prize winner will also receive a dozen roses and a signed copy of one of Stuart's books. Here's how the contest works:

Stuart is always on the lookout for young, emerging Canadian musicians to play on his show. We want to hear your suggestions for Stuart's Playlist. Call our Talkback Line and tell us who you'd like to hear on the Vinyl Cafe and why. The musicians have to be Canadian and they have to be emerging artists you'd like the rest of Canada to know about.

We need three things for your entry to be complete:

1) the name of the artist
2) the name of a song by the artist
3) the reason why you like them

Call 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061 with your suggestions for Stuart's Playlist. Or send an email to infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca
Deadline to enter is Tuesday at noon.

Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe will be in Moncton next Friday, March 4.
Moncton Wesleyan Church at 7:30 PM.
For tickets, call (877) 700-3130
They're also available on ticketwindow.ca

Dave talks to Stuart McLean before he heads to New Brunswick.

Despite layoffs at the Moncton Flight College, students are back in class and planes are back in the air.

With the tax season on its way, Dan Noel talks to us about RRSPs.

The city of Moncton is taking a closer look at the use of fluoride in drinking water. A local group is pushing to have it removed from the municipal water supply due to ethical and safety concerns.

THE FLUORIDE DEBATE

CBC News Health unit Q&A: A look at opposite sides on the debate over fluoridation in community drinking water

Supporters of the Moncton High School went to Monday's Moncton City Concil to voice their opinions.

This large Snowy Owl was spotted on Aberdeen Street in Riverview. Thanks to Wayne Gallant for submitting his photo.

What are you doing with your excess snow? What "sculptures" have you spotted? Send us a photo of an unusual snow formation, and we'll enter your name into a draw for a CBC travel mug and a Tim Hortons gift card. Send your photos to infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca

The province says Moncton High will no longer be a high school after 2013. Paulette Theriault, a Moncton city councillor and member of Moncton's Heritage Board, and Dick Carpenter, a property developer involved in multiple restoration projects in the city, share their views on the situation.

CBC Reporter Michael Richard LeBlanc talks to Jonna Brewer about the reaction to Education Minister Jody Carr's plan to return students and teachers to Moncton High this fall and build a new school.

Education Minister Jody Carr speaks to CBC's Jonna Brewer about the decision to return students to Moncton High in the fall and build a new replacement school for 2013.

Kevin Steen, president of Damascus Coffee in Riverview, and Real Robichaud, Executive Director of Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, talk about the increase of minimum wages and how it will affect the province.

Moncton's fire chief, Eric Arseneault, talks about the recent house fires that has killed three and injured two.

Information Morning Moncton's business and finance watcher, Dan Noel, talks about the upcoming mortgages rates and how it will affect you.

Pierre Battah, human resources specialist, explains all the details involved with an Exit Interview.

Steve Patterson had the audience in tears as CBC's The Debaters taped two shows in Moncton Saturday night.

Steve Patterson and Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. Mayor LeBlanc personally invited The Debaters to this year's HubCap Comedy Festival.

You can hear The Debaters on CBC Radio One Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.

Radio-Canada's meteorologist William Bourque shares his five day forcast for the week of Feb 14.

Moncton and Shediac face off over bike rallies planned for the summer of 2011.

Leslie Kern, professor in the geography and enviroment department at Mount Alisson University, talks about the new traffic snarls and the growth of population in greater Moncton.

Former Tory leader and energy minister Jeannot Volpé talks about the Energy Commission drafting plan.

Robert Jones joins us to talk about the price of gas, diesel and home heating fuel for the week of February 7th.

Mark Sawatzky of Darthmouth is our new Open Mic comedy champ. Listen to Mark Sawatzky's award-winning routine:

Listen to second place finalist, Matt Labucki of Halifax.

Bob McGinn has been in the roofing business for more than 30 years and talks about the recent collapses in the Moncton area.

Advice with a bite. Our parenting panel chews over the idea of the so-called "Tiger Mom".

A Moncton woman and her teenaged daughter witness a shark attack at their beach resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Not a typical status update, Robert Frigault of nthWORD Magazine talks about a new virtual theatre production debuting on Facebook.

Even though the city of Moncton won't confirm that U2 will or will not be performing at the Hill this summer, Kate Letterick has the up-to-date news before the official press release on Monday.  

The Bay of Fundy joins forces with the Great Barrier Reef in an effort to become one of the New7Wonders of the World.

Tune in to Information Morning Wednesday after 8 am for our interivew with Terri McCulloch, executive director of Bay of Fundy Tourism.

Click here to check out the Bay of Fundy website.

New Brunswick's Ombudsman and Child and Youth Advocate, Bernard Richard, travelled to Haiti to see how people are coping a year after the earthquake. The disaster killed more than 200 000 people and left more than a million homeless. Richard is the chair of the board of directors for Plan International Canada, an NGO that raises money for children's programs around the world, including Haiti. He returned to New Brunswick on Monday, January 10.

Here are some photos from the trip, along with notes provided by Bernard Richard.

This one was taken while we visited the CAD (boys' shelter) in Ganthier where the surviving girls from the CAD shelter in Carrefour Feuilles were placed after the earthquake. I had visited both these shelters in September 2008. The CAD (Centre d'Action pour le Développement) is a Haitian NGO that tries to return the "restavec" children to their birth families (or an uncle, an aunt or grandparents) and provides support to help with the reintegration.

This is what's left of the girls' shelter at Carrefour Feuilles that I had visited in September 2008. The CAD takes in children who are known as "restavecs" in Haiti, children who are given or sold to work as domestics and who often end up physically or sexually abused. Many consider it no less than modern day slavery. Five of the girls died in the earthquake.

Inside a safer place for children at Camp Nouailles.

Another small camp near Port au Prince. There are many of these of course as well as thousands of individual tents spattered across the city near destroyed homes or other buildings.

Construction of better temporary housing at Camp Corail.

This is from a meeting with the camp committee at Camp Nouailles. The five persons on the right are members of the camp committee. Those in the middle are Plan Haiti staff members. Marie Staunton, CEO of Plan UK, (next to me) and Rosemary McCarney, CEO of Plan Canada, are also in the photo. We heard from the committee members about the challenges of the camp (getting access to clean water, insuring stability as the camp is located on lands that are privately owned and eventual relocation to better housing).

Listen to Kate Letterick's conversation with Moncton High students about life after the closure of their school.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the CBC Tree of Hope Radiothon and helped us raise $207,615 for cancer research and treatment in NB. The campaign continues today, November 26th, with our friends and colleagues at Radio-Canada. Drop by l'Arbre de l'espoir radiothon at the New Brunswick Community College in Dieppe. The final goal: $1.5 million by 8 o'clock tonight!

Moncton Catholics are trying to keep churces open and functional. Donal Langis, Pastoral Coordinator of the Moncton Achdiocese, talks about the problems encountered with their fundraising campaign and more.

The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute in Moncton have found a more accurate way to detect Prostate Cancer. Dr. Rodney Ouellet tlak about th eimportance of this new test.

Marie-Claude Blais joins us and talks about her recent appointment as Attorney General and Justice Minister.

Dan Noel, buiseness and finace watcher for Information Morning Moncton, talks about past highlights and the future of the economy.

Moncton City turf guy, Gord Horsman, talks about the work that needed to be done to prepare a CFL certafied field.

Dennis Furlong, former Conservate Minister of Health and a family doctor in Dalhousie, talks to us about the pressing issue of Canada's healthcare.

Mary Lynn Courtney talks about her experience at the last night Paul Anka played at Casino Moncton.

Public policy anylist Donald Savoie talks about his exclusive essay for the CBC where he warns of of a gathering "Perfect Storm".

The annual Walk for Life is coming up and Debby Warren, Executive Director of AIDS Moncton, talks to us about the event.

Sackville town council members Virgil Hammock and Margaret Tusz-King, talk about the town's councils recent decision.

A Bouctouche woman is fighting for the province to have the New-Brunswick Human's Rights Commision to cover some drug costs.

A poetic view on the styles and gardens with a historic twist.

People in the town of Sackville are speaking out against proposed exploration for Shale Oil and Gas in the area. Sam McEwan, Assistant Deputy Minister of Lands, Mineral and Petroleum talks to us about the safety issues involved with the testing.

In part two of our series on inclusion in New Brunswick classrooms, Vanessa Blanch brings us the story of a boy who has failed to fit in at five different schools. 13-year-old Marc is now adding his voice to the call to eliminate so called "isolation rooms" in our schools.

In part three of our series, we meet a mother and daughter from Cocagne. Eight-year-old Terry-Lynn has fetal alcohol syndrome. Her Mother says she tried to fit in at school, but the resources her daughter needed simply weren't available. Reporter Vanessa Blanch has their story.

This week we've heard the stories of three students who failed to fit in at school. All three had special needs or disabilities that made it difficult for them to function in a regular classroom. Wayne MacKay calls it a tough situation. He studied inclusion in the New Brunswick school system five years ago. He spoke with the CBC's Jonna Brewer.

What did you think of the series? What's your experience with inclusion?
Call Talkback 853-6636 or 1-877-222-1061.
Email: infomorning@moncton.cbc.ca

CBC reporter Robert Jones delivers his prediction for the price at the pumps this week and settles his bet with Dave MacDonald over the Moncton Wildcats. Warning: some listeners and music teachers may find the following item disturbing.

Fans say the QMJHL final between the Saint John Seadogs and the Moncton Wildcats is a match made in heaven. The CBC's Jonna Brewer talks to two United Church ministers who are taking the rivalry to the pulpit.

Matt Anderson's benefit concert recorded live at the Capitol Theatre March 16 is now available on CBC Radio 2's Concerts on Demand:

The concert raised close to $8000 for Moncton's Karing Kitchen.

(Photo courtesy Kelly LeBlanc)

Giller prize winning author and CBC investigative journalist Linden MacIntyre talks about "The Bishop's Man"

Banned from the game. Air horns are no longer allowed at the Moncton Coliseum.

Parenting columnist Karen Horseman on how to adress the tension that taking care of the little ones can cause between parents and grandparents

Thanks to everyone who came out to our sold-out benefit concert at the Moncton Capitol Theatre Tuesday night. The event raised $7777.78 for Moncton's Karing Kitchen. What a great show!

The show was recorded for CBC Canada Live. Stay tuned to CBC Radio 106.1 for details on when it will air on CBC Radio Two and Atlantic Airwaves on CBC Radio One.

(Photos courtesy Kelly LeBlanc)

The year was 1991. Grunge music was making it's popular breaktrhough. And the novel, Generation X:Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland hit the book shelves. It went on to change the way people viewed an entire generation. Nearly two decades later, we take another look at the novel with our multi-generational book club.

Hanna Button studies International Relations and French at Mount Allison University. She was born in 1988. Stephen Brander is co-owner of the Moncton advertising company, Razor Creative. He was born in 1968. Bob Osborne owns and operates Corn Hill Nursery. He was born in 1949. They spoke with Dave MacDonald who, by the way, was born in 1965.

Part One: X marks the spot. Our CBC Book Club reviews Douglas Coupland's 1991 breakout novel. Listen to Millennial Hanna Button, Xer Stephen Brander and Boomer Bob Osborne.

Part Two: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Our CBC Gen X Book Club explores generational tension.

Part Three: Stephen, Hanna and Bob discuss the language of Generation X

Part Four: Boomers had Woodstock. Xers had MTV. In Part Four, Stephen, Hanna and Bob talk about the symbols that capture the zeitgeist of a generation.

Part Five: Our CBC Book Club delivers it's final word on the relevance of the 1991 Douglas Coupland novel.

Douglas Coupland's Generation X is one of the contenders in this year's Canada Reads competition. You can catch Canada Reads - hosted by Jian Ghomeshi - this week (March 8-12) at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm on CBC Radio One - 106.1 FM in Moncton.

A patient at the Tracadie Hospital wonders why the doctor she saw speaks only English.

Francois Weber of Charlottetown is the winner of our 10th annual CBC Open Mic standup comedy competition. He'll perform again Saturday, February 13 at the Pumphouse Brewery with professional comedian Andrew Grose. He also won a spot for Saturday at the Late Night Live at the Empress show. That's on right after Brent Butt's mainstage show at the Capitol Theatre.

In this excerpt from Francois Weber's performance, he starts riffing about an old TV show that was supposed to educate you.

For a complete schedule of shows this week, visit www.hubcapcomedyfestival.ca

Family, friends and fellow police officers filled St Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church in Woodstock Thursday to say farewell to Mark Gallagher. The RCMP Sergeant died during the earthquake in Haiti. At the memorial service, the Reverend Karl Ingersoll, a close family friend and RCMP chaplain, reminded the crowd of Mark Gallagher's humanity.

Premier Shaun Graham gave his state of the province address Thursday night, and the future of NB Power took centre stage. Hear an excerpt of the premier's speech, and reaction from political scientist, Tom Bateman.

Now who would be against literature? Well maybe when that literature refers to flyers and pamphlets that end up littering front yards. Dieppe city councillor,Paul Belliveau, talks to Dave MacDonald about the issue.

Laetitia Amédée is a Universite de Moncton student from the Port-au-Prince area in Haiti. She spoke with Dave MacDonald as she waiting to make contact with her family following Tuesday's earthquake.

A Moncton woman with ties to Haiti is waiting for news following the devasting earthquake. Listen here for Dave MacDonald's conversation with Louise Boissoneault.

A transportation advocacy group wants Transport Canada to clarify its new airline regulations -- and end the confusion for travellers. Jonna Brewer spoke with Transport Action Canada president, David Jeanes.

Listen

When CBC news reported Atlantic Wholesalers Limited and Loblaw were suing Wayne Lord, the reaction was fast and furious. The former basketball coach from Bathurst lost his wife and seven of his players in a highway accident two years ago. The story triggered an immediate public outcry and the company issued a statement to say it was dropping the lawsuit.

Listen here for reaction from the K.V. Riverboat Classic basketball tournament in Quispamsis, along with our interview with Karen Blotnicky, a marketing professor at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax.

Managing money is an important life skill. Some people learn it earlier than others. Some don't learn at all. Our business and financial watcher Dan Noel talks about debt and young people.

It's been more than two years since 19-year-old Ashley Smith of Moncton died at a prison in Ontario. The CBCs Hana Gartner has been investigating the life and death of Ashley Smith.

Listen here

You could call it the OTHER hockey hall of fame. A New Brunswick man builds a world-class shrine to hockey heroes - in his basement. Dave MacDonald visits Chris O'Neill of Escuminac to see his collection.