HAL’S HEADLINES: Paving scammers operating in Manitoba

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Dozens of people in and around Winnipeg have fallen victim of late to unscrupulous paving companies that actually aren’t companies at all. In most cases, the asphalt isn’t thick enough and crumbles very soon after it’s put down. Ontario Provincial Police figure it’s the same organized crew of scammers that’s been operating for a while now in the eastern part of that province. So, buyer beware! If someone knocks on your door and offers to pave your driveway, just say no. Most reputable paving companies don’t operate that way. If the deal seems sketchy and too good to be true, it probably is. Just shut the door and contact police. You should also contact the Canadian Anti-fraud centre, as well as the Better Business Bureau. The bad guys usually want to start the work right now. Don’t be pressured into giving them a quick yes. In one case, the job was completed even though no money changed hands but now the man is having to remove the subpar blacktop and that won’t be cheap.

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9 CFL GAMES IN 2 WEEKS

Winnipeggers Neil Reavely and Tavona Molinski are almost halfway through a Guinness World Record attempt at nine CFL games in nine different stadiums in just 14 days. The last game is next Sunday in Montreal when the Alouettes host the Edmonton Elks. Neil says it’s like a Canadian football version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Another Winnipegger who now lives in Ottawa, Chris Tymofichuk, is the current record holder after a similar cross country adventure earlier this summer. Good luck, Neil and Tavona!

PRICEY SUPER BOWL ADS

The new NFL season is just getting underway but Super Bowl TV ad time is almost sold out already. Nearly six months out from the big game, Fox says only a handful of slots of commercial inventory are still available for the television broadcast of Super Bowl LIX from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Media buyers say the network is using the high demand to try to get over $7 million for a single 30-second spot.

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CHANGING ATTITUDES ABOUT ALCOHOL

Young people aren’t having as much sex these days. They also aren’t drinking alcohol like older generations did when they were younger. A new Gallup poll says attitudes about booze are changing. Almost half of all of us believe even moderate drinking is harmful. For younger adults, 65% view drinking negatively.

TAKING BETTER CARE OF CARS

Because of inflation, we’re taking better care of our vehicles. According to a new survey, 73% of car owners are making more of an effort to maintain their current ride. The Pennzoil poll of 2,000 drivers says Gen Xers in particular are striving to keep the vehicle they already have. However, 80% still rely on someone else to do the basic maintenance on their car.

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NEW DOG PERFUME

I’m a big dog lover but this is just silly. Dolce & Gabbana has released an alcohol-free dog perfume. Fefe, inspired by one of the designer’s pets, is priced at $108 for 3.5 ounces. The new fragrance is certified safe for animals but some veterinarians are still raising concerns about it. Fefe is described as a blend of fresh and delicate notes of ylang ylang, musk and sandalwood, resulting in a tender and embracing perfume crafted for a playful beauty routine. Oh brother.

— Hal has written columns for years. He’s also the host of Connecting Winnipeg weekday mornings from 10 to noon on 680 CJOB. You can email him at Hal@HalAnderson.ca.

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