This just in! It's being reported that the 2 minute and 49 second video footage taken by ferry operator Bobby Clarke of Norway House, Manitoba has been sold to an unnamed US television show. As soon as I find out which one I will let you know. Stay tuned!

Check back regularly, no telling what little nugget of gnarled knowledge or whimsical wisdom you're going to unearth here but it could be a 'sasquatch nugget' - I hear they stink real bad.

Hasta La L8r Señor Bigfoot Skeptic

Alberta's Privacy Commissioner, Frank Work has found the Edmonton Police Service abused their use of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database by accessing information on two individuals. One of the individuals was Edmonton Sun columnist Kerry Diotte and the other was the former Police Commission Chair, Martin Ignasiak. Although the Privacy Commissioner's investigation revealed that there were clear violations of the Privacy Act he has decided that no further action is warranted as the violators are recipients of disciplinary action by the Edmonton Police Commission.

Anyhow..., in light of the seriousness of the breach it's unfortunate the Privacy Commissioner didn't see fit to impose a huge fine or involve the pitbulls at the Crown Prosecutor's Office. It would appear that he has made the decision to let the Solicitor General run with the ball as they are looking into the matter. With all due respect, the Privacy Act would garner a tonne more respect if violators were brought to the bench and made to answer for their miscreant ways in a significant way.

Check back regularly, no telling what little nugget of gnarled knowledge or whimsical wisdom you're going to unearth here but it could be a 'disciplinary nugget' - one of the sweetest of all nuggets.

Hasta La L8r Señor Privacy Act Violator

One of my favourite stores of all time has been reduced to rubble by a fire. The Hub Cigar Store, which sold magazines and newspapers from around the world was a truly unique experience. I thought the place would fall down before it burnt down but in any case I'm going to miss stopping in whenever I'm in Edmonton.

I've seen other magazine stores in cities throughout North America but the Hub Cigar Store was unique among them. The magazine selection was superb and if, in the unlikely event they didn't have what you came in for it would surely be there the next time you showed up. I have been guilty in the past of wasting countless hours stumbling around in the place.

I should clarify that 'stumbling around' part. The building itself was built in 1894 and had been a newsstand since 1910. You can imagine how many people had wandered up and down the aisles over the years. All that traffic left the floor with hills and valleys, such that you weren't really sure if you were having a dizzy spell or not as you made your way to the back of the store to find that obscure 'Beer Cap Collecting' magazine that only Hub Cigar would carry.

The owner was a bit of a character and could always be found giving his take on the latest political or sports news to whoever cared to listen. He would speak in a bit of a raised voice so that he could be heard over the creaking and groaning of the wavy wooden floor as an eclectic mix of patrons wandered about.

Anyhow..., I can't believe Hub Cigar is gone. I had a gut feeling when I saw the headline, "Fire Destroys Whyte Avenue Landmark" that it was Hub Cigar - too bad.

Check back regularly, no telling what little nugget of gnarled knowledge or whimsical wisdom you're going to unearth here but it could be a 'history nugget' - they're always valuable.

Hasta La L8r Señor Hub Cigar Store

Address to Nation Thursday, April 21, at 7:45 EDT. Our beleaguered Canadian leader, Paul Martin sounds like he's about ready to make a desperate plea for his captainship to an increasingly mutinous public. The News Media is hustling to get this covered as it's come on rather short notice. Trouble is, it doesn't look like the press was invited. Speculation is mounting as to what he hopes to accomplish with this unusual tactic but we aim to keep you posted.

Check the following for up to the minute coverage:

• CBC News - they let MSN advertise but they won't let me! updates every 15 minutes though.
• CTV News - I like their little 'news ticker' thing. Nice touch - gives it that 'broadcast' look.
• Bourque Newswatch - my favourite!

Anyhow..., please check back. I'm in the middle of switching this site over to a 'database driven dynamic' sort of thing and there could be a couple of speed bumps I've overlooked. In all likliehood there's going to be some potholes to go with the speed bumps.

If you care to have a look at what it's looking like check it out... [HERE]

Hasta La L8r Señor PM