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After Winnipeg Transit drivers rallied this week for safer working conditions, I opened the phones on my radio show to see how listeners felt about it. Many said they no longer ride city buses because they don’t feel safe. Imagine what it must be like getting on a bus every day when it’s your job. The Transit Safety Team has helped but not enough. Doug, a former cop who called in, told me it’s time for a “blitz.” According to him, dedicated police officers need to be dispatched quickly to deal with serious issues as they arise on buses and at bus shacks. Cops, unlike “powerless” safety officers, can handle dangerous situations when they occur and not after the fact. I later got an email from a man who’s worked in private protection for over 35 years. He agreed with Doug, saying the last two years are the worst he’s ever seen. I don’t know what the answer is but I’m open to Doug’s idea because I think it’s time we start thinking outside the box when dealing with crime and the many other big problems we face in this community.
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GIVING FEELS GOOD!
Even though times are extremely tough, Winnipeggers and Manitobans continue to give generously. A new poll says 43% of us are actually increasing our charitable donations as 2024 comes to an end. That number is even bigger (59%) with young people. If you can afford to give, I encourage you to do it. It might even help you more than those you’re thinking of. The best idea I heard this week came from people who plan to donate that $250 that’s coming from Ottawa. If you don’t really need it, please pass it on to those who do.
SLEIGH RIDES & SANTA
A great Christmas tradition continues at Ron Paul Garden Centre this weekend. Sleigh rides and photos with Santa Claus will happen both days between noon and 3 p.m. at 2641 St. Mary’s Road. Ray Dubois and his team will also be serving up hot apple cider, hot chocolate and cookies. You’re asked to please bring a donation for Bear Clan. Winter clothing and other supplies collected will be handed out to Winnipeg’s homeless.
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WASH YOUR XMAS TREE?!
There’s a debate raging on TikTok right now: whether or not to wash your Christmas tree. I first noticed people spraying down their trees a few years ago but it’s become much more popular this season. One mom says she does it for her kids who have asthma. But the trend also includes people washing their artificial Xmas trees in bathtubs. According to Country Living magazine, it isn’t just about losing the dirt and dust — it can also help rid your real tree of insects.
POWER-OVER-SKIN TECH
OK, this is cool. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say your earbuds or any small gadget might stay charged one day by sucking electricity through your skin. Power-over-Skin technology uses radio frequency to transform the human body into a power delivery medium. The ability to wirelessly transmit electricity across the skin could become a game-changer for the consumer electronics industry.
— 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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