CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

Recently posted by Roger Samson

Tuesday January 3, 2012

RADIO NOON - TUESDAY JANUARY 3, 2012

Radio Noon archives: Christine Davies kicks off the New Year with some terrific seasonal tapeKate Aitkens.jpg from the 1950"s. Kate Aitkens, Canada's homemaking guru of her day.

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An American family stranded in Gander since before Christmas: Greg and Tracey Braddy and their ten children were on a flight that was unexpectedly diverted to Gander last month. They are still there! Ramona reached Greg Braddy by phone to get an update on their situation.

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Thursday December 29, 2011

Coming Up on Crosstalk: Friday, Dec 30, 2011

It's the final Trivia Crosstalk of 2011.

Join me - Roger Samson - and trivia master Mack Furlong.

Attempt to stump the omniscient Mack!

That's Friday on Radio Noon Crosstalk.

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Friday August 19, 2011

Coming up on Monday, August 22, 2011

Do you agree with the Federal government's move to restore the Royal designation to the Air Force and Navy?

Those who oppose the move include NDP Member of Parliament Jack Harris, while on the other side, retired colonel Maurice Hynes thinks it's about time the word Royal is brought back.

Both gentlemen will join Ramona on Monday's Radio Noon Crosstalk.

Crosstalk begins at 12:30, Noon in most of Labrador.

Categories: episodes

Thursday August 18, 2011

Coming up on Crosstalk: Friday, August 19, 2011

It's Mack Furlong! With trivia!  See you there!

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Thursday August 18, 2011

Coming Up on Crosstalk: Thursday, August 18, 2011

On Radio Noon Crosstalk today, newly minted Liberal Leader Kevin Alyward will be here. With less than 2 months to go before a provincial election he's had to hit the ground running. But he's pausing long enough to join me - Roger Samson - in our Radio Noon studio to take your calls. What questions do you have for the provincial Liberal leader as he takes on Lorraine Michael's NDP and Kathy Dunderdales PCs?

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Thursday July 7, 2011

Coming Up on Crosstalk - Fri July 8, 2011

Mack Furlong is heading into studio for another edition of Trivia with guest host Chris O'Neill-Yates, the radio show where you never know what might happen! Phone in and try his questions for you.  Feel free to try some of your questions on him! 

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Tuesday July 5, 2011

Coming Up on Crosstalk: Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Allergies - it seems more and more people are getting them ... whether it's food allergies to nuts and grains or allergies to scents such as perfume or smoke. What, if anything, can be done to lessen the impact of allergies? How are those without allergies suppose to act? What's causing the increase in allergies? These are all questions we'll pose to allergy specialist Dr. Palinder Kamra. Have a question of your own? Call in!

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Tuesday July 5, 2011

Coming Up on Crosstalk: Wednesday, July 6, 2011

It's that time of year again. Plants are blooming and as a result many people with allergies are suffering. Do you have questions about allergies? Our guest is allergy specialist Dr. Palinder Kamra. She'll be in studio with guest host Chris O'Neil Yates to take your calls.

722-7111 / 1-800-563-8255

12:35-1:30 Nfld / 12:05-1 Lab

Categories: episodes

Wednesday February 23, 2011

Coming up on Crosstalk - Thurs Feb 24th, 2011:

How closely are you following the incredible events in the Middle East?  What do they mean for the world?  Will they have an impact here in Canada?   Ramona's guest is Mahmoud Haddara, well-known for his time as a professor at Memorial University, and as the former imam of the mosque in St. John's.  He just happened to be in Egypt during the historic protests.  Phone in with your thoughts about the protests in the Middle East.

Crosstalk starts at 12:35, 12:05 in Labrador

Call 722-7111 or 1-800-563-8255

Categories: episodes

Thursday February 10, 2011

Radio Noon - February 10, 2011

In order to listen to the following items please follow these instructions:

- on the right hand side of your screen you'll see Subscribe to the Podcasts.

- under this title please click on More CBC Podcasts.

- once you're redirected to a new page, scroll down until you see NL Radio Noon

- then click on Download the latest mp3 

Sorry for the inconvenience, we're in the process of updating our podcasting technology.

 
RNC update on hit and run on Topsail Road in St. John's
 
Two women are in hospital after pick up truck struck them last night in St. John's. The truck carried one of the women a couple hundred feet along Topsail Road. he driver then collided with another pick up truck on Columbus Drive, and later hit 3 vehicles at the intersection of Hamlyn Road. The 21 year old woman who was carried along by the pick up truck might not make it. The driver is due in court this afternoon. Constable Suzanne Fitzpatrick speaks for the RNC.
 
 
Team Gushue loses its newest addition.
 
Curling legend and Alberta native Randy Ferbey is off Team Gushue. They parted ways last week following an event in Oshawa. Brad Gushue says he thought it was on good terms. But Ferbey is throwing stones. He says Team Gushue quit on him. In fact, he says he wouldn't even call it a team, but rather a bunch of individuals. Plus Randy Ferbey says skip Brad Gushue is too controlling.
 
 
Hlinka Column
 
Our Business Columnist Michael Hlinka took a look at January's Employment Report,  and Canada's rising unemployment rate. He's wondering if we would be further ahead if we never collected that data in the first place.
 
 
CROSSTALK: Remembering Tommy Sexton
 
Today on the show, the late, great, incredibly talented Tommy Sexton. One of the stars of the Wonderful Grand Band (WGB) show and the youngest member of Codco. Tommy Sexton died too young of an AIDS-related illness; he was 36 when he died in 1993. His older sister, Marina Sexton, is in studio with me today. And so is musician Sandy Morris, who knew Tommy from their WGB days.

 

 

 

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Wednesday February 9, 2011

Radio Noon - February 9, 2011

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A 12-year old boy in Kilbride faces a plight. He and his dad are raising some hens, on an acre of land. Thirteen chickens, to be exact. But someone's complained to the city of St. John's. It turns out there's a by-law on the books that each household is only allowed three chickens.  My guest on this issue, Merv Wiseman, the past president of the NL Federation of Agriculture. 
 
 
Today we're focussing on fire safety. Do you have questions about how safe your wood stove is, or your space heater? Or whether you've got enough smoke detectors in your house? Or whether you should get a carbon monoxide detector. Or whether it's okay to leave the dryer running when you go to bed. He's Richard Murphy, who is a former fire chief in Conception Bay South. And a past president of the Provincial Association of Fire Services.  

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Tuesday February 8, 2011

Radio Noon - February 8, 2011

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As we told you recently, Service Canada is closing 13 community outreach offices in the province. Two offices close at the end of March, the remainder close on March 31st 2012. Those communities will now be serviced by outreach visits two days a month by workers with the Canada Employment and Immigration Union workers (CEIU). Denise Richey is the National Vice President of the CEIU for NL. 
 
 
 
Yesterday on the show, we brought you the first part of a documentary by CBC producer Heather Barrett. It's about our aging population. She went to Garnish on the Burin Peninsula, which is just one example of a greying community and the issues that come with it. Here's part two of "This Old Town".
 
 
 
Tuesday means time to welcome Christine Davies to the studio. She's here each week with a sound recording from the CBC Radio Archives. Today, the brain drain out of Nfld and Lab in the sixties.
 
 
 
Would you support a guaranteed annual income in Canada? It would mean that the government would make sure Canadians would receive the same base amount of money. But with every dollar earned, a dollar would be claw-back. Conservative Senator Hugh Segal believes it's time to start talking about a guaranteed annual income.
And he's my guest on Crosstalk this afternoon. 
 
 

Categories: episodes

Monday February 7, 2011

Radio Noon - February 7, 2011

In order to listen to the following items please follow these instructions:

- on the right hand side of your screen you'll see Subscribe to the Podcasts.

- under this title please click on More CBC Podcasts.

- once you're redirected to a new page, scroll down until you see NL Radio Noon

- then click on Download the latest mp3 

Sorry for the inconvenience, we're in the process of updating our podcasting technology.

 
 
Kathy Dunderdale shared breakfast this morning with some of the best and brightest women entrepreneurs in this province. She spoke at a gathering of NLOWE - the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs. Here's part of the address she gave.
 
 
 
CBC Radio's The Current has a series called "Shift". It's looking at how populations are changing across Canada. They just took a look at rural Newfoundland and Labrador because it's aging faster than anywhere else in Canada.  CBC producer Heather Barrett recently spent some time in Garnish, on the Burin Peninsula. Where a greying population in a community where almost everyone is town is over 55 and that's a real issue. Here's part of one of Heather's documentary, This Old Town:
 
 
 
Today on the show, we've got Canada Reads on our minds. Jian Ghomeshi kicks off the first hour of debate in two hours from now right here on CBC Radio One. But we thought we'd start our own debate in the meantime. One that hits nice and close to home. If there were a NL Reads competition, what books would you nominate? My guest in our Corner Brook studio is Darrell Squires, who is an Assistant Manager with the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the public library system. 

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Friday February 4, 2011

Radio Noon - February 4, 2011

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Since December, ten people have been arrested for drinking and driving in Labrador West.
 That's way above the norm. The RNC say in a normal year they arrest a total of 22 to 30 drivers. Add in the horrible accident in Wabush on the fifth of December. When a couple walked home instead of driving, because they'd had a few drinks. Instead of getting home safely, they themselves were struck by a vehicle. Shane Mercer later died of his injuries.
 And Leisa Penney is still recovering from hers. The police have charged 29-year old Jeremy Shannon Reid of Wabush with impaired operation of a vehicle causing death, and other charges. What's behind the increase in drinking and driving in Western Labrador? That's a question that Mothers Against Drunk Driving is grappling with. Josephine Gaulton Rowe is the volunteer president of MADD in Labrador West. She joins me on the line now.
 
 
 
The whole reason the Waste Management Committee of the Great Humber Joint Council was put together was to do something about people dumping car wrecks and old washing machines and the like inside municipal boundaries. But the problem's not going away.
 In fact, thanks to satellite technology, the Committee's been able to identify 13-hundred pieces of junk dumped in the woods. And there are fears even more will be dumped in the future. Tony Oxford chairs the committee. He's also the mayor of Cox's Cove.
 
 
 
Today on the show, Search and Rescue Response times. Do you think they're fast enough?
 Military search and rescue personnel in Gander need to be in the air within 30 minutes of the call coming in. That's if it comes in weekdays, between 8 and 4 p.m. Otherwise, two hours is the window of time to get airborn. The House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence has been holding hearings on the issue. It follows from the crash of Cougar Flight 491 in 2009. The crash that killed 17 people. On that dark day in March, the search and rescue Cormorants stationed at Cdn Forces Base Gander were in Greenwood, Nova Scotia on a training mission. It meant a one-hour delay in getting a Cormorant to the scene. Search and rescue response times have been an issue for fishermen as well. Some examples:  the sinking of the Ryan's Commander in 2004, and the Melina and Keith in 2005.  Are search and rescue response times fast enough? My guests in studio today are both members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence: St. John's East N-D-P M-P Jack Harris. And the Liberal M-P for Bonavista-Exploits, Scott Simms.
 
 
 

 

Categories: episodes

Thursday February 3, 2011

Radio Noon - February 3, 2011

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This week police laid charges in a fatal hit and run in Wabush. The suspect is  29-year old Jeremy Shannon Reid of Wabush. He faces 6 charges including impaired operation of a vehicle cuasing death. The accident happened on the 5th of December. Shane Mercer later died from his injuries, and Leisa Penney is still in hospital. Depsite the tragedy, police have charged 5 people with drinking and driving in Western labrador in January. Ron Barron is the mayor of Wabush and we've reached him for his reaction.
 
 
 
Two insurance companies say they shouldn't have to pay up if a man wins a lawsuit against the Catholic Church. The suit was filed by a man who says he was sexually abused by a priest in Trepassey. Video Journalist Glenn Payette joins me know with more on this.
 
 
 
Many Canadians grew up playing hockey, wearing the skates and equipment made by Bauer.  There's lots on the go with the company these days. Here's our Business Columnist Michael Hlinka is here with the latest.
 
 
 
We're talking about trappers and their families. The men who are such a vital part of Labrador's history. My guest on the show is Chesley Lethbridge, who was born in Paradise 
River, Labrador. And who spent over 20 years trapping full-time, starting at the age of 13.
He loves it when people ask him questions about the things he experienced as a trapper, so don't be shy.

Categories: episodes

Wednesday February 2, 2011

Radio Noon - February 2, 2011

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The situation in Egypt is still volatile. Opponents and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak are holding rallies today. In same cases, throwing stones at each other. Here in St. John's, Egyptian Canadians are holding a rally at Memorial University. Mohammed Sarhan, is from Egypt but he's been in Newfoundland since 2006. He's doing his PhD in immunology at MUN. He's at the rally and he joins me now
 
 
 
Winter will last another 6 weeks. Today is groundhog day. And both Shubenacadie Sam and Wireton Willie saw their shadows this morning. And that means ... lots more winter. But according to local folklorist Philip Hiscock, the groundhog wasn't always the predictor of winter weather ... it was the bear. Philip Hiscock joins me now.  
 
 
 
We want to know what you're seeing drivers do out there on the roads. Especially stuff that bothers you now that we've finally moved into winter. My guests in studio are Constable Dennis Hann of RCMP Traffic Services in Clarenville. And Constable Doug Barrett of the RNC's Traffic Enforcement Section.What examples of bad driving are you seeing out there on our roads?
 

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Tuesday February 1, 2011

Radio Noon - February 1, 2011

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Botwood deaths

There should have been a family celebration for Isabel Sheppard of Botwood yesterday. It would have been her 66th birthday. But a tragic highway crash took her life on Saturday, along with her 69-year old husband, Jim. And in a town as small as Botwood, everyone is grieving. Including Deputy Mayor Scott Sceviour, who is on the line now.

 

Labrador weather

It's a nice, crisp day here in St. John's at minus 11 ... It's a wee bit colder in Labrador City at ... minus 29. And that's all people in the Big Land are talking about - how cold it is. Mike Power is a reporter in Labrador City. He joins us now. 

 

Archives with Christine Davies

Time to say hi to Christine Davies. She joins me at this time each week with a sound recording from the CBC Radio Archives. Today, she's here to talk about caribou.

 
 
What impact will the labour dispute have on the future of the transit service for people in Mount Pearl and St. John's? St. John's Mayor Dennis O'Keefe has warned people to expect bus services to be reduced if ridership levels are low in these weeks following the strike. Two Memorial University students who joined us earlier in the strike. They're both with the students' union there. Meghan McCarthy is the director of campaigns. And Michael Walsh is the director of advocacy.


 

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Monday January 31, 2011

Radio Noon - January 31, 2011

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Hockey game assault

Blood was spilled at the Senior Men's hockey game in Carbonear this weekend. But it wasn't on the ice. The game was between the Conception Bay North CeeBees and the Mount Pearl Blades. Spectator Glenn Legge alleges a Mount Pearl player threw a water bottle at him. The RCMP plan to charge a player with assault with a weapon. Terry Roberts covered the game for the The Compass Newspaper. He joins me on the line now from Carbonear.
 
 
It's like an extreme version of the TV show Survivor.  If you're a black-legged Kittiwake and you breed successfully, you get to overwinter in Britain. But if you don't, you have to fly all the way to Nfld. & Lab. to overwinter. Kittiwakes are also go by the name Tickleace. They're the gulls that look like the tips of their wings were dipped in black paint. And they're strange behaviour was uncovered by Maria Bogdonova and her colleagues in the United Kingdom. She's an animal population expert, we reached her in Edinburgh, Scotland.  
 
 
His given name was William David Perlman. But he preferred to be called Poppa Neutrino. You might remember he sailed a raft made out of junk from Fermeuse to Ireland.
Well, Poppa Neutrino has died at the age of 77. That raft was a sight. Made out of plywood, foam, old tires and other recycled garbage. The original plan was to sail the raft from New York City to France. But that plan had to be modified. Here's crew member Ed Gary speaking to the CBC's Kathy Porter in August of 1997.
 
Here's a link to Poppa Neutrino's obituary in the New York Times:
 
 
 
You see and hear that attitude all the time. So and so has let herself go. So and so wouldn't have so many health problems if they'd just lose weight. If fat people want to lose weight, why don't they get up off the couch and stop stuffing their faces. Is it entirely up to the individual, though? What about the fact that in many communities, it's much easier to drive around than walk. Or that junky food is often a lot cheaper than good food. Or that a lot of people's jobs involve an awful lot of sitting. My guest Dr. Arya Sharma. He holds the chair in obesity research at the University of Alberta and he's the scientific director of the Canadian Obesity Network.
 
Dr Sharma's website: www.drsharma.ca
 
 
 
 

 

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Friday January 28, 2011

Radio Noon - January 28, 2011

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Officers with the Royal Nfld Constabulary have expanded their search for Jason Matchem.
 The 26-year old from Corner Brook was last seen at around 11:30 on Saturday night. It's believed he was heading to a cabin west of Corner Brook. Bad weather meant searchers had to stand down yesterday. And it's not helping today either. Constable Robert Edwards speaks for the RNC in Corner Brook.
 
 
 
In Egypt right now, police are clashing with anti-government protestors.  Yesterday, communications with the outside world were disrupted. That means Egyptian nationals can't communicate with family and friends. Assem Hassan is one of those people. He's an assistant professor of engineering at MUN. 
 
 
 
There's a huge greenhouse attached to St. Francis School in Harbour Grace. And now students from all around the area are going to be able to use it to learn more about the environment. That's thanks to efforts by the Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association. Jill Hiscock is coordinating the project for them.
 
 
 
Today on the show, your ideas for the new gallery being developed for The Rooms Provincial Museum in St. John's. The Elinor Ratcliffe gallery of social history will open in two years. And the people at the museum are looking for suggestions on what exhibits to select.
My guests on the program are Anne Chafe, who is the director of The Rooms Museum. And Mark Ferguson, who is the manager of collections and exhibitions.
 
What's your idea for the Rooms exhibit? You can enter it here:
 
 
 

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Thursday January 27, 2011

Radio Noon - January 27, 2011

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Tentative agreement in the Voisey's Bay strike. 

There's a tentative deal between Vale and its striking workers in Voisey's Bay. That's good news for a lot of people, considering the strike has dragged on for 18 months. Including Leo Abbass, the mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. 

 
The key recommendation from the Wells inquiry into offshore helicopter safety is to set up an independent safety agency. That's prompted two environmental studies professors to call for an independent offshore environmental regulator as well. Gail Fraser (York University) and Angela Carter (MUN Grenfell campus) sent their request to the federal and provincial governments. Angela Carter is in Toronto today, and that's where we reached her.
 
 
 
Today on the show, we're asking whether retired teachers should be allowed to double dip.
That is: continue to receive their pension payments if they return to the classroom. In his annual report, auditor general John Noseworthy revealed that 443 retired teachers were back on the job in 2009, many of them without proper approval from the minister of finance. And they were collecting both pensions and salaries. My guest in studio this afternoon is Lily Cole, the president of the NL Teachers' Association. 
 
 

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Wednesday January 26, 2011

Radio Noon - January 26, 2011

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Auditor General John Noseworthy releases his annual report.

The auditor general's report is out, and as usual, he points to several areas where government agencies need to make improvements. Improvements that have to do with how your tax dollars are spent, and with your family's health and safety. We reached John Noseworthy at his office.
 
 
Christine Davies has joined me in the studio -- as she does at this time every Tuesday. She brings with her a sound recording from the CBC Radio Archives. Today, we're going to hear more about the delivery of mail -- by bush plane -- to parts of Labrador. It was December, 1957.
 
 
Today we're focussing on food banks. The CBC's Turkey Drive resulted in people donating 6800 turkeys in NL. It seems like the demand just keeps growing but the people who originally dreamed up food banks hoped they would only be around as a stop-gap measure. So, we're asking can we make food banks a thing of the past? My guests on the program today, Eg Walters of the Community Food Sharing Association. And anti-poverty activist Bev Brown.

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Tuesday January 25, 2011

Radio Noon - January 25, 2011

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In a surprise move last Friday, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper withdrew its application for an 8-day experimental burn of recycled tires at the mill. Corner Brook Pulp and Paper says it withdrew the application because of a combination of public outcry and scientific information. The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board supported the test burn. It's responsible for the tire recycling program in NL. So what happens now? Leigh Puddester heads Multi Materials Stewardship Board. 
 
 
 
Last week, the auditor general warned the province is too heavily reliant on oil revenues. The province now spends $4.1 billion dollars a year on health and education. That's up by a billion dollars over the last 4 years. Most of that money comes from oil. So what happens when the oil runs out? Economist Wade Locke says this province needs a plan. In Alberta, they've already got some planning in place. For more on that, we've reached Diana Gibson. She's with the non-partisan Parkland Institute, at the University of Alberta. 
 
 
 
Today on the show, the star of the HG-TV program, "The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price." He's in our studio in Toronto this afternoon and he's ready to take your questions about what's hot in home decor, and what's not. Whether you're talking about paint colours, or how to improve lighting in your kitchen. Or what's new in flooring or curtains and blinds. Your questions about home design trends with the start of HG-TV's "The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price".

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Monday January 24, 2011

Radio Noon - January 24, 2011

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We told you some time ago about money missing from the Archdiocese of St. John's. Well, there's new information. First of all, that a very significant sum of money is missing: more than 500-thousand dollars. And second, that church officials have now changed their minds, and are now calling in the police to investigate the actions of their former business manager, Bill Power. Martin Currie is the Archbishop of the Diocese of St. John's.
 
 
 
Should we bring back mandatory annual vehicle inspections? Last week the RCMP pulled over ten light vehicles and found rusted chassis, loose batteries and a pick-up truck with no brakes. In 1994, John Efford made away with mandatory inspections. He says too many people were cheating the system, slipping mechanics a little money to fill out the inspection forms without ever having a look under the hood. Gary Ball is a certified mechanic who owns the Car Fix Garage.

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Friday January 21, 2011

Radio Noon - January 21, 2011

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Tremors in Natuashish

Many residents of Natuashish didn't sleep well Wednesday night. Houses in town were shaking and creaking. Of course this got many of us wondering what caused the tremors. A seismologist with Natural Resources Canada thinks it might be an ice quake. To get this perspective on this geographer Norm Catto joined Ramona in studio.

 

Evaluation of Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Ads

The latest tourism ads for Newfoundland and Labrador started playing on TV this week. And they've caught the eye of a lot of people. You see Bird Rock at Cape St. Mary's, and the Signal Hill walking trail, and lots of rock, water and brightly painted houses. So how does the ad cut it with people in the advertising world. For some analysis, we've reached Bruce Chambers. He's the CBC's ad guy.

 

CROSSTALK: Trivia with Mack Furlong

Categories: episodes

Thursday January 20, 2011

Radio Noon - January 20, 2011

 
Yesterday, RCMP Traffic Services Officers randomly pulled over 10 vehicles at the weigh scales in Grand Falls-Windsor.  The police inspected on the spot and found a shocking list of deficiencies. One pick up truck had no brakes at all. They pulled two of the vehicles off the road. And laid five charges for defects. In their news release, the police made a point of saying annual vehicle inspections are not mandatory in this province. They used to be. But in the mid-90's, the Clyde Wells' government did away with them. At that time, John Efford was the minister of Works, Services and Transportation. He's on the line now from his winter home in Florida.
 
 
 
Private radio stations won't play the Dire Straits song Money for Nothing in its original form, because of a complaint over the use of the word, faggot.  Neil Butler is an actor in St. John's.  And he's gay.  And he says censoring that song is wrong. 
 
 
 
On our Crosstalk phone-in: Are we coddling our kids?  We're asking because so many people seem to be flabbergasted that a bus driver got a one-week suspension for getting high school students to help push the bus.  Lots of people saying that no one would have blinked if kids did that a generation ago.  Keith Coombs, retired principal of McDonald Drive Jr High
 
 
 

An Open Letter to a 21-year old university student in Corner Brook

Hi there Newf89, coffee_nut, Whitney... unfortunately I can only address you by the pseudonyms you've used on the internet.  I'm a 35 year old gay & out writer, actor and volunteer arts administrator living in St. John's. 

I think the fact that your complaint to the CBSC was acted upon is harmful to the level of public discourse in the country.  I think the best way to counter bigotry is through education.  I do not think we can bring an end to bigotry and discrimination by removing the opportunity to examine instances where they occur.  I do not believe that taking away the words often used by homophobes and bigots to denigrate others has any significant impact on the hurtful views that inspired their use in the first place.  Our understanding of the gay rights struggle is informed by the stories and experiences of our friends who witness injustices - to take away their ability to express what they have seen and felt directly hinders understanding the pain and hurt caused by homophobia. 

I see from your comments in a number of forums (The Globe & Mail, CBC, RockAAA.com) that you do understand how the word in the song was used - that Knopfler was speaking in character, that the character's use of the word is meant to emphasize his ignorance - but it seems to me that for you, the fact that "the slur possesses a meaning of hatred", overrides Knopfler's desire to illustrate the hypocrisy of speaking from ignorance.  Obviously I disagree.  I want people to know, as viscerally as possible, how gays were perceived & portrayed in the eighties, and throughout history.  I want people to know the scorn that has been aimed at homosexuals.  I am a gay male who has been on the receiving end of that slur (and worse ones).  I don't know when you have been subjected to that slur specifically. 

I hope you respond.  However you should know that your actions have had consequences larger than you probably intended - for example, international attention, a lot more use of the offensive word in question, and invective directed at the LGBT community (based on the erroneous assumption that a majority of homosexuals agree with this censorship).  When you presume to speak for the entirety of a group composed of millions of people with diverse opinions, you must understand that it comes with responsibility.  My rights to express myself have potentially been incrementally diminished, and just as you feel passionately about your cause, so do I mine.  Do not think that this will go away.  I am actively making efforts to find out who you are so you can publicly explain your intention, and answer for having a hand in encouraging less critical thinking in the public regarding what is broadcast.

Sincerely,

Neil Butler

 

 

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Wednesday January 19, 2011

Radio Noon - January 19, 2011

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Methadone dispensing program needs improvements

There are problems with the methadone dispensing program. And that's why the provincial government is holding a round table discussion tomorrow with several groups that work with drug addicts. Including Turnings, which is headed by Ron Fitzpatrick.

 

Concussions in Hockey: is enough being done to prevent them?

NHL superstar Sydney Crosby is still sidelined by a concussion and there's no indication when he'll return to his Pittsburg Penguins. Andrew McKim is a local hockey coach who's got a sense of what Crosby is going through. McKim's professional career ended when he suffered a concussion, just over 10-years ago. He was hit from behind while playing in a European elite league.  

 
 
Today on the show, what it's like trying to get around on foot right now. There's snow.
There's ice. And there are lots of people who need to walk because of the Metrobus strike and lots of other people around the province who have no other means of transportation other than their own two feet. Elizabeth Malichewski is one of my guests in studio today.
She's a walker and a cyclist in St. John's. And Jeff Collingwood is a runner.

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Tuesday January 18, 2011

Radio Noon - January 18, 2011

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Metrobus users can start purchasing half-price taxi vouchers tomorrow. It's an effort by the transit commission to relieve some of the financial burden on bus riders. For reaction, we've reached Paul Churchill, the president of the local Amalgamated Transit Union representing the striking Metrobus workers.
 
 
 
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is trying to buy a huge chunk of land near Stephenville Crossing so that it can be preserved from development. It's called the Grassy Place, and it's at the headlands of Robinson's River. The parcel of land the Conservancy is looking to buy is almost 4,000 acres. But the group's still trying to raise enough money. Doug Ballam is the program manager in Newfoundland and Labrador.
 
 
Today, she's here to talk about the delivery of mail to northern Newfoundland and Labrador -- more half a century ago.
 
 
 
Today: back pain and how to manage it. My guest on the program can give you some advice on how to take care of your back, and how to handle flares ups. As well as prevent them from happening in the future. She's Ethne Munden, of the Back to Health clinic in St. John's.

 

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Monday January 17, 2011

Radio Noon - January 17, 2011

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A woman in Gander says her teenager needs to get into a drug addiction treatment centre.
But says there's nothing available in Newfoundland and Labrador for her 18-year old son. She's calling on the provincial government to hurry up and make good on its promise to open a residential treatment centre for young people with addictions. We're withholding her name to protect her son's identity.
 
 
It's an unexpected twist as the Metrobus strike lingers on. Metrobus Transit is planning to offer some bus riders a 50 per cent discount on taxi fares. The commission is buying what it says will be a limited number of cab chits that will be offered to customers at half price.
The details still haven't been made public, including how Metrobus users will be able to get the chits. But it's got lots of transit users talking, including Nat Brouse. 
 
 
Today, we're talking about baking bread. Are you a bread maker? Do you use a bread machine, or do you knead your dough by hand? We want to hear people's stories about baking bread. And the memories that you associate with the smell of some nice loaves in the oven. My guest today is the musician, chef and baker Phil Goodland. We'd love to hear your best tips when it comes to baking bread.
 
 

 

 

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Friday January 14, 2011

Radio Noon - January 17, 2011

Coming up on Crosstalk - Monday Jan 17th, 2011:

Today on Radio Noon Crosstalk, the peaceful art of making homemade bread. If you're a bread baker, phone in your stories and tips. Chef Phil Goodland will be in studio with lots of great advice.

Crosstalk starts at 12:35, 12:05 in Labrador

Call 722-7111 or 1-800-563-8255

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Friday January 14, 2011

Radio Noon - January 14, 2011

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Yesterday's cabinet shuffle put a new woman in charge of Child, Youth and Family Services...Joan Burke is out, Charlene Johnson is in. One of the big jobs for the new minister is to complete the restructuring of the department. Brian Wentzell is a St. John's lawyer who represents troubled children and their families in court, and he joins me on the line now.
 
 
 
Slushy streets and snowy sidewalks are making things even more difficult for Metrobus riders today. Many have been forced to walk to make their way around town since the strike started over two months ago. Well, some MUN students are getting ready to brave the snowy streets agian today. They're marching to the Confederation Building to present government with a petition calling for an end to the strike. Radio Noon's Roger Samson is at Memorial University, where the marchers are gathering. 
 
 
 
Bullying is a big problem for many young people. Being bullied because of your sexual orientation is especially difficult. Across North America in 2010 media reported a number of young gay people taking their own lives because of bullying. That launched the celebrity video campaign - It'll get better. Comedian Rick Mercer added his voice to that project. Here in St. John's, students at Bishop's college are trying to make a difference. This is Purple week at the school. That's when students show their support against bullying - based on sexual orientation - by wearing purple. Yesterday, the school's gay straight alliance held an awareness rally about anti-gay bullying. And Radio Noon's Andrew Walsh was there.
 
 
If you're planning to stop working at the age of 65, you're in the minority. A new poll suggests most of us plan to work into our traditional retirement years. But that can bring an unintended consequence. Here's our business columnist Michael Hlinka.
 
 
You lose your job, you get the blues. Your sweetie falls out of love with you, you get the blues. Your dog runs away, you get the blues. Yes it's raw and heartwrenching, But the blues is also about overcoming hard luck, saying what you feel, ridding yourself of frustration, letting your hair down, and having fun. Were singing the Blues on the show today...and we've got two of the province's best-known blues musicians in studio to help us do it. Denis Parker and Scott Goudie. Phone in and tell them why you love the blues. Tell us about great shows you've seen. Maybe listening to the blues helped you through a tough spot. Tell us about albums you've got in heavy rotation. Speaking of albums, Dennis and Scott have come bearing gifts...so we have CD's to give away ...

 

 

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Thursday January 13, 2011

Radio Noon - January 13, 2011

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Provincial Cabinet Shuffle

Premier Kathy Dunderdale shuffled her cabinet this morning. There were some significant moves. For more on this, the CBC's Provincial Affairs reporter David Cochrane joins Ramona in studio.

 

CROSSTALK: Should government be held responsible for crashes with moose on our highways?

Can motorists hold the provincial government responsible for crashes with moose on the highways? St. John's lawyer Ches Crosbie is trying to have a class-action lawsuit certified. He claims the government has shown neglect when it comes to controlling the moose population. And, that motorists are getting maimed and killed in accidents as a result so the government should be responsible for paying compensation. Eugene Nippard of the Save Our People Action Committee is our guest today. That's the group that's been lobbying to get the provincial government to make the roads safer for drivers and passengers.

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Wednesday January 12, 2011

Radio Noon - January 12, 2011

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One year ago today, Vaden and Emerson Oram of Glovertown found themselves in the middle of hell on earth. They were in Haiti on a business trip. And they were at the epicentre of the earthquake that caused so much damage in Port au Prince and other cities.
 
 
 
The Metrobus strike in St. John's and Mount Pearl drags on and on, with no end in sight. People who normally take the bus are struggling to get around. People with mental health problems are finding it especially difficult.  Lisa Green is a Peer Support Specialist with the St. John's office of Channal - the self-help group for people with mental illness. She joins me on the line from her office in St. John's.
 
 
 
Coming up on Crosstalk, we're asking if you think climate change is real with geographers Trevor Bell and Joel Finnis. I can't say if the warm weather so far this winter is part of climate change--I'll leave that for scientists to decide. But what is for sure is that the warm weather is having a big impact on the wildlife within Gros Morne National Park. Darroch Whittaker is an ecologist with Parks Canada. And joins me on the line to talk about those changes.
 

Today on the show:  climate change. Do you think it's real, that it's happening as we speak?  Yes, December was the warmest month ever on record here, beating all other weather records since the 1870's. But an unusual winter this year could be considered a weather blip, and not necessarily a sign of climate change. My guests are both geographers at Memorial University. Joel Finnis is working to quantify what climate change means for NL.
And Trevor Bell has been looking at both the impact of climate change, and how we'll need to adapt to it. 
 

 

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Tuesday January 11, 2011

Radio Noon - January 11, 2011

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Brad Cabana's PC leadership application

Will there be a leadership race for the provincial Progressive Conservatives ... or not? There are questions about the legitimacy of Brad Cabana's leadership application: does he have the signatures required under the party's constitution. The party's credentials committee is reviewing those signatures. But there are indications there's a big difference of opinion when it comes to interpreting the rules for those signatures. David Cochrane is the CBC's political affairs reporter, he joins Ramona in studio.

 

Moose class-action lawsuit

St. John's lawyer Ches Crosbie says the provincial government should be held accountable for the terrible crashes on our highways involving moose. Crosbie is trying to get a class-action lawsuit certified. He says collisions with moose are an act of government, not an act of God.  Mount Pearl city councillor Lucy Stoyles' agrees with Crobsie. She spoke this morning about the impact a moose vehicle accident had on her family.

 

Autism study

A 1998 study that concluded there's a connection between children's vaccines and autism has been thoroughly debunked. The finding were originally published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet. But the journal later retracted the study. And now British journalist Brian Deer calls it a fraud. Despite that, parents still agonize over whether their children should be vaccinated. Trish Williams is executive director of the Autism Society.

 

Archive feature with Christine Davies

Today Christine has an interview about "wind watching" in the Wreckhouse area.

 

CROSSTALK: Do the arts get enough support in Newfoundland & Labrador?

How well the arts are funded in Newfoundland & Labrador? The provincial government has significantly increased its funding over the past several years. Artists have applauded those changes but my guests today say there's still a long way to go when it comes to money for the arts. In studio are: Greg Malone well-know for his Wonderful Grand Band and Codco days; and actor/comedian Amy House. She heads the Resource Centre for the Arts in St. John's.

 

 

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Monday January 10, 2011

Radio Noon - January 10, 2011

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Brad Cabana runs for the PC leadership

Premier Kathy Dunderdale isn't going to be acclaimed the leader of the provincial Conservatives after all. Brad Cabana is contesting the Tory leadership.
He made the announcement late this morning. Cabana lives on Random Island and runs a paint and decorating company. He also writes a blog called Rock Solid Politics. He spoke with the CBC's David Cochrane this morning outside PC Party Headquarters in St. John's.

 

Burglars steal safe at post office for the second time in 6-months

Thieves in Brownsdale, Trinity Bay area have hit the post office, again. For the second time in 6-months, burglars stole the safe.  The most recent case was Saturday morning. No one has been charged in either instance. And that has residents concerned. Marlene Clarke worked at that post office for years. These days she's the local service district representative for Brownsdale.

 

A Metrobus user weighs in on the prolonged strike.

The Metrobus strike is more than 2-months old, and a new set of talks broke off on the weekend. St. John's Mayor Dennis O'Keefe says riders should expect reduced service when the strike finally ends. The mayor says ridership will go down because of the length of time the buses have been off the road. And he says the city can't afford to have empty buses driving around. It puts ten million a year into the service and subsidizes 50 % of the cost of the rides. Meaghan Barnhill is a Metrobus user.

 

CROSSTALK: Pensions

Today on the show, financial advice on planning for retirement. Maybe you've already retired, and you've got some advice for those who are still working on their plans. Or maybe you're trying to figure out what age you'll be able to retire, but you're finding it a confusing business. For one thing, there are new changes to the Canada Pension Plan. Here to help you wade through some of the information, Larry Short. He's a Senior Investment Adviser with Dundee Securities here in St. John's.

 

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Friday January 7, 2011

Radio Noon - January 7, 2011

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Voisey's Bay Industrial Inquiry Report

The first part of a report into the strike by Vale workers in Voisey's Bay is out. It concludes there's no real reason why the impasse continues on. The strike started 18 months ago. The provincial government set up an industrial inquiry headed by John Royle to investigate why the labour dispute has been dragging on. CBC Reporter Lee Pitts has been reading the recommendations, and he joins Ramona in studio.

 

Using GPS services to reduce family violence

Some countries are using GPS devices to reduce cases of family violence. In cases where the court has ordered a restraining order against a person who has assaulted a member of their own family. The victims of violence carry GPS devices. The offender has to wear one, too. If the person with the history of violence gets too close to the victim, they get a cell phone call warning them the offender is near. Linda Ross with the Advisory Council on the Status of Women speaks with Ramona.

 

Hunting Caribou from a vehicle on a roadway in Labrador

There's illegal hunting happening in a closed caribou zone in Labrador. And the fear is that some of them are from the endangered Red Wine herd. Hunters are shooting the animals on the road between Labrador West and Happy Valley - Goose Bay. The province has officers monitoring the situation, but no charges have been laid. Naomi Adey says the hunters aren't just a threat to caribou, they're putting people's lives in danger. On Sunday, she drove from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Labrador West with her daugther and three grandchildren. And that's when she encountered some of the hunters. Naomi Adey speaks with Cindy Wall of A Labrador Morning.

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Thursday January 6, 2011

Radio Noon - January 6, 2011

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Sea Buckthorn

Not long ago, Sea Buckthorn - a shrub with orange berries and powerful health benefits - was touted as an agricultural wonder for our province. The plan was to grow lots of it in Newfoundland and Labrador but that hasn't happened, despite the growing popularity of the berries. The Globe and Mail has them as one of its top ten food trends for the coming year. Hilary Rodriguez was one of the first people to bring Sea Buckthorn shrubs to Newfoundland and Labrador. He's the President of Sedna Nutra, a company that processes Sea Buckthorn.

 

Young Organic Farmer

Not many young people decide to become farmers. But that's what Carla Taylor is doing. After spending some working at the Lien farm near Portugal Cove, Carla Taylor and her partner are working on setting up their own organic farm in Nova Scotia. Carla Taylor is in studio now.

 

CROSSTALK: Knitting with Shirl the Pearl

Today on Crosstalk: Knitting with the one and only Shirley Scott. She's a top notch knitter and designer and she has an enthusiasm that's hard to match. Call in to tell us why you love knitting. Share some stories about those times when your knitting projects didn't quite go according to plan: whether it's the scarf you started knitting someone for Christmas five years ago, or a sweater with usually long sleeves. Master knitter Shirley Scott is my guest.

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Wednesday January 5, 2011

Radio Noon - January 5, 2011

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The dangers of Radon gas

Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. But many people have never even heard of it. It's an odourless gas that occurs naturally in water, air and soil. It's radioactive. Although in low concentrations it's harmless. But it can build up in your home and cause serious health problems. Greg Noel is with Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung association.

 

Our Business Columnist Michael Hlinka

People approaching retirement age are trying to figure out the new Canada Pension Plan rules. Specifically, whether to take their benefit early or wait until it increases in value. Our Business Columnist Michael Hlinka is here with some advice on what you should do.

 

The Catholic Church in Sheaves Cove

It's almost four months since the community of Sheaves Cove on the Port au Port Peninsula lost its only church in a fire. Police are still investigating. In the meantime, the community is awaiting insurance money so it can rebuild. But there's still no news on when or even if the Roman Catholic Church wants to resurrect the building.
Travis Young is the chair of the local service district. He spoke with West Coast Morning Show host Bernice Hillier this morning.

 

CROSSTALK: What should you eat to maximize the benefits of your fitness routine?

Today on the show, how to boost your fitness routine through your diet. Whether you're looking to pack on extra muscle or you're wondering what foods are the best to eat before and after a workout. My guest on the program is Eastern Health dietician Holly Grant. She's with the Lifestyle Program at the Janeway. She's an expert in sport nutrition and has a diploma from the International Olympic Committee.

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Tuesday January 4, 2011

Radio Noon - January 4, 2011

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CBC reporter Vik Adhopia speaks about his time in Afghanistan

CBC national news reporter Vik Adhopia is back in St. John's after spending five weeks in Afghanistan reporting on the Canadian troops. During that time he covered the death of a young soldier. He also experienced an attack on the Kandahar air base and flew on chopper missions. In between it all, he saw signs of a country that is slowly transforming itself.

 

CBC Radio Archives feature with Christine Davies

It's a new year and it's time to welcome back Christine Davies to the show. She's here each Tuesday with a sound recording and its story from the CBC Radio Archives.

 

CROSSTALK: What gets you through this time of year?

It can be a tough time. Old Christmas trees are piling up in heaps. People are heading back to work and school. The days are short, the nights are long. The holiday bills will arrive soon. And the next statutory holiday is a long way off. My guests on the program today are Roxanne Notley in Port Hope-Simpson. She's the executive director of the Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation. She loves winter. My other guest on the program today is actor and comedian Jonny Harris.

 

 

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