Byron Hackett

So I’m a little behind as usual. Hold it. I didn’t say I have a little behind, I said I’m somewhat tardy in terms of my comparative awareness. In other words, once again, lots of people know about stuff way before I do. You know, social trends, popular must-have merch and the latest, greatest sayings and expressions and other flicks and flacks in a world that’s always moving too fast.

Over the last several seasons, the Red Deer Acura Chiefs have been one of the premier U18AA girls hockey teams in the province.

The Central Alberta Kings Volleyball Club is one of the elite programs in the province.

About nine months ago, I wrote a column with the headline “Put separation to a vote, so we can stop talking about it”.

It was taking a bit of a risk asking Charlie Stuart what she thought I should do as a challenge to myself as I approach my 65th birthday. She’s a bit of an intimidating eight year-old, after all, having been written up in the Red Deer Advocate for her generous donation of toys to the Christmas Wish Breakfast. She saves some of her allowance all year long to be able to purchase the toys for local kids who need them, and that’s no small feat for anyone. But she lives just down the street from me, so I know beyond all her accomplishments she is really nice. It was a happy visit when I sat with her and her dad in their living room to chat about her generosity.

They finally did it.

It was only earlier this week that I heard the phrase in that headline, and I haven’t been able to shake it from my consciousness since.

Cancer sucks.

If it wasn’t already there before, Alberta has surely reached a tipping point in the protection of personal data.

I guess I got what I asked for.