Once I decided to try to write something about the ongoing calamity spreading outward from the Gulf of Mexico, I figured a little research might be necessary; but what a task it was to find interesting and reliable news sources! It would seem that the big media stations, particularly CNN and FOX, are not telling North Americans some of the most important facts about this disaster; choosing instead to promote corporate concerns, engage in Obama-bashing and finding hundreds of new ways of saying the same thing repeatedly.

I am not an environmentalist. I am not an overtly religious man. I am not a businessman, a lobbyist, a geologist or petroleum expert. I am essentially just like most Canadians. But I do not trust big corporations, big media, or big government–all three of which are deeply involved in this globe-affecting crisis. Here are seven things you all should know about the BP Oil disaster that is still worsening as you read this.

A beautiful German Shepherd graces our front cover this time around, and I got to write the story that goes along with that cover. A fellow dog lover, I was very excited to interview volunteers from the Canadian Search Dog Association (CSDA) and find out a little more about the local organization. The CSDA is responsible for finding people and evidence during a search when outside organizations such as the city police or the RCMP ask for assistance.

What do you mean there’s nothing to do in Lethbridge? Sixteen years a Lethbridge resident, and I hear disparaged bellyaching by bored citizens and visitors on a regular basis. Sure, Lethbridge is no Disneyland; we have no seaside beachfront resorts or all-night all-you-can-eat Vegas style casinos, but you can’t tell me there’s nothing to do in Lethbridge. In fact, I’m not even sure if those who complain of boredom are just too lazy to pick up a paper (most of which come free to the door) or get off the couch in the first place.

I have to admit, several years ago, while I was a student at the U of L, it was a challenge finding a bar with live music every weekend. Fast-forward 10 years later and our bars (some new and some old) have live music flowing into the streets. It’s only going to get better.