Ron Able's blog

What Is "Hypermiling?"

With gas prices getting ridiculous, people are more conscious than ever about fuel economy.  Hypermilers use some simple techniques and tips to get the absolute most out of every liter of fuel.  Read on for some simple tips that will save gas (and money!) and get a Bonus Code Word, too!

Summertime Summertime Sum-Sum-Summertime...

We're approaching the halfway point of summer, and it's been busy!  It's amazing how much catching up there is to do after a couple of weeks of vacation.  I wish there was an answering machine for emails.  I came back to about 200 megabytes of emails to take care of.  And, like every other workplace these days, the folks who aren't on holidays pick the slack for those who are.  Lots of cool emails though - thank you for sending us things you find interesting!  For example.....
(NOTE: They make us do these in two parts now, so you'll have to click "read more" to see the rest and get a Bonus Word...)

Crystal Shawanda

Crystal Shawanda played a couple songs on the at Work Cafe with Karen Black today.  Here's "You Can Let Go".

 Watch it HERE!

Who's the Biggest Reba Fan?

 Early this morning, Sara called the station, suggesting we do a "Survivor" type of contest to give away the Reba/Kelly Clarkson tickets.  (We're giving them away every morning this week.)  She said she would do ANYTHING!  I asked if she would eat a bug - Yep!  Raw monkey brains? - You bet!  When I mentioned this on the air, Alisha emailed me a pic of her Reba tattoo - check it out!  Wow!  That's a committed Rebaholic!  If you're a true fan, listen for ways to win with the Waking Crew.  How about this for a Bonus Code Word: "tattoo" valid for 250 QX104 Rewards Points through June 20th, 2008.

Time for a Tornado Warning System?

There were more funnel clouds reported yesterday near Morris.  And who can forget last June's F-5 tornado just West of here, in Elie? (And several other tornados that weekend.)  Maybe we should face the fact that several tornados hit Southern Manitoba every year.  Common sense tells us that sooner or later one will hit a populated area.  Would you know what to do?  Do your kids know where to go?  Maybe Environment Canada, EMO and local media c

The QX104 Walking Crew Events Page is Up!

They're incredible!  The 2008 QX104 Walking Crew is a dedicated bunch, and their fundraising is already in full swing.  By supporting the events they put on, we can all support the awareness, education and research efforts of the Canadian Diabetes Association.  Look for the "QX104 Walking Crew Events" link (under "Waking Crew") to find out all the details!

 

Baby Geese and Sneakers...

 During the show this morning, Caroline and I were talking about the geese at the Assiniboine Park Duck Pond, and how cute their nine little goslings were...thought I'd show you a picture I took last week, when they were a few days old.  A quick note: We were at the Park last night to meet with The QX104 Walking Crew (proudly the largest group in Team Diabetes Canada for the 2008 Honolulu Marathon.)  The team is raising money for diabetes research & awareness, and we urge you to show your support for their fundraising efforts.  Watch the QX104 Website for a link (soon) to list of the Walking Crew Events! Here's a Bonus Code Word for 250 points through June 6th: "gosling" You know what to do.

Hooters?

 I love taking photos, and one of my favourite places to do it is right in my own neighbourhood - Assiniboine Park.  Recently, a pair of owls with two young fledglings has been hanging out in the English Garden.  I think they're Great Horned Owls.  They usually blend in quite well, and most people walking by don't see them.  This young one was kind enough to pose for me, so I thought I'd post a picture here.  There are Wood Ducks and baby Geese at the duck pond, and lots more to see at the park (and, of course, there's the Zoo!)  We're lucky to have great places like this to go & enjoy free of charge!  OK, here's a Bonus Points word, worth 250 points through June 4th: "hoot" - Click here to go to the QX104 Country Club Rewards Page.

Busy (But Fun) Times!

Weekends seem to fly by even faster when you're busy!  Congratulations to Jarrod Stewart & Derrick Godfrey - their "Cupcakery" Grand Opening Saturday was a huge success, and we had a blast!  They're at Stradbrook & Osborne and very yummy!  Saturday night Caroline and I were at the Doc Walker show at Burton Cummings Theatre...Willie Mack was great, and the crowd went nuts for Doc Walker - sounded like everyone in the place was singing along!  Then Sunday, I got to the Teddy Bears' Picnic at 8am and started cooking pancakes with Boyd Kozak, emceed at the main stage, checked out the site...and the rain held off!  Lots of happy faces!  Here's a bonus word for those of you earning QX Rewards Points: "goodbear"- valid through Monday, June 2nd.  Click here for the Points page.

Stupid Traffic Lights!

We've got way too many "stupid" traffic lights.  Lights that go to red as cars approach, even though there's no cross traffic, and no pedestrians around.  They're operated by timers.  A good example is Portage Avenue at Tylehurst (in front of Polo Park.)  The light is there to let pedestrians cross, and there's a button people can push for that.  And yet, at some times of day, traffic comes to a grinding halt, even with nobody around.  If you're heading East, that red light sets you up for more red lights at Erin Street and then Dominion Street as well.  That's just an example - there are hundreds of "stupid" lights all over the city.  Since we have vehicle sensors in the pavement at most intersections, do we really need to stop traffic for no reason?  The worst emissions come from vehicles when they're idling.  The thousands of times that this happens every day not only increases pollution; it's a huge waste of fuel, and the stopping/starting reduces the life of the road surface.  And trying to "beat the cycle" gives some motorists an incentive to speed.  If we're serious about "being green" in this city, it's time to synchronize the lights and make them "smart."  Come on, even some of the cheapest children's toys have computer chips in them...surely there's a better way to manage the flow of traffic than "stupid lights."  OK, here's a Bonus Word for 250 QX104 Rewards Points: "stupid" [Valid through May 12/08] Click here for the QX104 Rewards Page.  Thoughts on this blog? Email me here.