As a child I wanted to be a journalist. As an adult I have actually managed to do some of what I thought would be rather “cool” when I was a youngster. Funnily enough, given the opportunity to make a living as a journalist, I ran away screaming. My friends Craig Welsh and Chris Myrick ran towards the profession, my former Muse colleagues David Cochrane and Michael Connors live it every day. Once in a while, especially when I write an opinion piece, I wonder whether I shouldn’t have continued down that path.

Nights like tonight remind me why I ran away.

A report on Edmonton’s CTV News tonight revisited the Mayerthorpe tragedy when four brave RCMP officers lost they lives when a madman opened fire and then killed himself. Tonight the reporter at the Edmonton bureau, went to interview one of the grieving father’s as the Christmas season, the first without their son, is upon us. The report itself was touching; the father spoke proudly of his son and asked all Canadians to thank a police officer this Christmas season. All of which I endorse. These men and women do lay their lives open to danger and abuse, we should be thankful. In fact if you see a police officer or a member of our Armed Forces, please do thank them and tell them how much we appreciate their sacrifice.

The report then ended with the reporter, saying “And the father would like to say that, so far, the only party to endorse tougher legislation for these kind of situations, is the Conservative Party.”

I just wanted to scream. I know I am in the middle of Alberta, home of Conservative Party cheerleading, but really, do I want to see reporters electioneering on the nightly news? I might as well have been looking at a Steven Harper advertisement. Biased reporting much?

Sure, the Conservatives may have the hardest proposed legislation when it comes to this issue, fine, no argument here. If this is how future reports will end, I would love to see the reporter’s opinions on how the homeless might be affected by the NDP’s policies when they do a report on the Christmas Bureau; or when we see the Edmonton Oilers play the Montreal Canadiens, how the secessionist aims of the Bloc Quebecois might have an impact.

Oh sure the reporter would say “but I was reporting the father’s words.” Well, in that case what use is the reporter and editor in creating the news report. I’m sure that not every word the father said was reported.

If you are going to report biased news, at least have the guts to say, “Yes, we are biased. We do in fact editorially support the Conservative Party and we will be reporting from that standpoint.” At least then I would be able to forgive how news is being editorialized and interpret it accordingly.

Pixel the cat has decided that Christmas truly is a time of giving. At least the giving of bites on my nose. I was woken this morning with a rather snippy cat standing over me and on my attempts to shoo and turn over so I could enjoy the snugness of my bed, he promptly bit my nose. Thankfully he didn’t break the skin… this time.

‘Tis the season though to be jolly and I believe Pixel is going through the pain of me having my friends over for annual Christmas Dinners. Nope, no turkey’s here, just tons of curry. Last night was the last of my Sri Lankan Christmas Curry Dinners, with swordfish, squash, mushrooms, bread and a rather sad attempt at making cutlets. I passed them off as a type of pakora. I suspect my mother would be horrified.

But all of this is a way to catch up on all the things happening in my life (not that there are that many people who likely care).

For those who haven’t, go see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. To put it mildly, it’s a great film. If I were to vent in hyperbole: this is bar none, the film of the year so far. It is one of the best book to screen adaptations I have ever seen and it captures every event in the book, changing nothing and keeping the spirit of the book to boot. The Chronicles of Narnia remain one of my all-time favourite children’s fantasy series. Yes, for those non-religious folk, C.S. Lewis was trying to create a Christian parable or allegory, but to be honest you’d hardly notice that. I spent Friday night in my 8 year-old mind imagining a world far away, close by and through a wardrobe. Sadly… all that I have in my closet is cat litter, not the greatest adventure let me tell you.

For those wondering about my friend Nils, he is recovering. Let us hope that he recovers fully.

For those wondering about my attempt to grace the literary world with my, ummmm, talent… that progresses. Some unexpected turns have lead me to write something quite different from my original. However I am far enough into it now, to officially say this blog is now procrastination. I shall have to spend some time writing about the art of choosing a point of view and why some are easier than others.

On a completely different note in this rambling update, there are the electioneering politicians. For the second time in a couple of years I get to vote in the same riding. Last time, I made a point of going to interview each of my riding’s candidates. I haven’t decided whether to do that this time or not. Last time I voted based on my riding rather than on the leader’s of the party. I now have to evaluate whether that is actually what I want to do this time. The debates, they are a-coming!

Tonight’s blog was going to be about photography (I have a new camera) or perhaps about the novel (yes I’ve actually started writing). Ultimately though, I am numb. Granted it is very cold outside, after weeks of above normal temperatures, Edmonton has dipped into negative values. Tonight it will be a bone chilling -23 degrees Celsius. Last night I picked out my first ever scarf (I have been given scarves, but never bought my own). It’s a nice blue number, long and woolly and makes me feel kind of homey. Craig and Cathy are in Nunavut and I know that their temperatures will be much colder, who am I to complain.

But I am numb… and not from the cold either.

My friend Nils has been in the University of Alberta Neurological Intensive Care Unit with an aneurysm for the past week. We’ve all been praying for him. If you know Nils, you know that he is one of the kindliest, gentlest and most generous human beings you could meet. He and his family have opened up their hearts and home to so many of us. Today, driving to his house I was reminded that it was Nils who helped me pick up my latest car from the dealer and gently helped me through my first night of driving a standard (I think I almost tore his shoulder from jerking the car so much during my stalling!).

Despite everything, the swelling in his brain did not go down on his own, tonight he went into surgery. I know that this was necessary and that this is a turning point and will hopefully lead to his recovery.

Can I ask a favour? Chances are many of you coming to my site hardly know me, let alone Nils, but if you can, take a moment and think a kind thought and perhaps a prayer for Nils and his family.

Oh and what does titsiutivaa mean? All day we’ve been bugging Craig about learning Inuktitut while he’s in Iqaliuit, Nunavut. We were then treated to the Nunavut Living Dictionary for Inuktitut. So hopefully I’ve got it right in saying “Pray for Nils”.