The weather has been an ongoing subject of conversation this summer.
No one knows what to expect from hour to hour, never mind day to day. One thing I’ve noticed is that on milder days, in the downtown area anyway, people — friends and strangers — smile at each other.
On really hot days or rainy days, not so much. It’s rained mostly in the evening or night so generally there have been more smiles than not. One good thing, the thunderstorm threatened for Sunday held off for the street and park events, although when it did show up in the middle of the night it was a lulu.
If the weather this year has you thinking about the state of the climate, you’re not alone.
According to recent research, most Canadians believe climate change is happening, and that it is at least partly caused by human activity. Someone suggested that for years we’ve been conquering nature, now we’re beating it to death.
***
An American visitor to the museum Sunday said he would like to borrow the bull that was once used in a contest at Stampede time. He thought a bull throwing contest might be useful in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential race.
Oldtimers will remember that the bull, which is made from a 45 gallon drum, held cow patties which were thrown by contesting politicians (male and female). Whoever flung the flop the furthest was the champion “bull thrower.” Visiting dignitaries, including a premier and numerous MLAs, MPs, visiting mayors, etc. joined local politicians and the event usually made the 6 p.m. TV news. The contest was dropped when a council at the time considered it unseemly. Walter Cobb resurrected the contest during his first stint in the mayor’s chair but it only lasted as long as he did that time around. Pity.
Passing thought. What about Michelle Obama for president?
***
Someone was asking recently who owns B.C. I’d say foreigners, Asian and U.S. corporations with a few Europeans added to the mix for variety. If the trend continues, the only Canadian owned land will be whatever the First Nations manage to reclaim.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.
