Yukon News
QUIZ: In celebration of Christmas
There are plenty of customs, celebrations and traditions on Jan. 25
25 Dec 2024 12:50:00
VOCM
Canadians’ 2024 Search Trends Show Global Curiosity
There was an international flair to the search trends of Canadians in 2024. Google recently released a breakdown of Canada’s most searched topics in 2024. They break down the list into several ...More ...
There was an international flair to the search trends of Canadians in 2024.
Google recently released a breakdown of Canada’s most searched topics in 2024.
They break down the list into several different topics, including news and events, people, and various types of questions.
As local tech blogger Kevin Andrews explains, under the news and events category many Canadians were looking for details outside of our borders.
He says the top searches were Euro 2024, the US election, and Hurricane Milton.
25 Dec 2024 12:45:52
Toronto Star
Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Desi Bouterse, a military strongman who led a 1980 coup in the former Dutch colony of Suriname then returned to power by election three decades later despite charges of d ...More ...
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Desi Bouterse, a military strongman who led a 1980 coup in the former Dutch colony of Suriname then returned to power by election three decades later despite charges of drug smuggling and murder, has died. He…25 Dec 2024 12:41:59
Victoria Times-Colonist
Pope urges "all people of all nations" to silence arms and overcome divisions in Christmas address
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and ov ...More ...
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions” plaguing the world, from the Middle East25 Dec 2024 12:29:52
Prince George Citizen
Fate of Trump's Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet is still unclear after Republican senators spent much of December carefully dodging questions about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
25 Dec 2024 12:19:31
Victoria Times-Colonist
Editorial: Christmas 1924 was a tough time for many, but there was light ahead
The Christmas season in 1924 was, unfortunately, very much like this year’s Christmas season.
25 Dec 2024 12:15:00
Victoria Times-Colonist
A look back and ahead at the stories making news in men's hockey
Connor McDavid was in tears. The Edmonton Oilers had given everything they could in a hard-fought Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
25 Dec 2024 12:00:08
The Globe and Mail
How the Calgary Public Library avoided the worst after it was targeted in a massive cyberattack
The Calgary Public Library first flagged suspicious activity on its servers on Oct. 10. Less than 24 hours later, it confirmed the library was the target of a full-fledged cyberattack.Security teams c ...More ...
The Calgary Public Library first flagged suspicious activity on its servers on Oct. 10. Less than 24 hours later, it confirmed the library was the target of a full-fledged cyberattack.
Security teams chose to pro-actively shut down the servers rather than leave systems vulnerable, a decision that chief executive officer Sarah Meilleur credits with saving the library’s infrastructure, stopping the attack and ensuring that no business, employee or member data was compromised.
25 Dec 2024 12:00:00
CBC Calgary
Why Gen Z is sparking a digital camera renaissance
Digital cameras have become trendy among Gen Z photographers. Some say the renewed popularity is part of a countercultural practice. ...More ...
Digital cameras have become trendy among Gen Z photographers. Some say the renewed popularity is part of a countercultural practice.
25 Dec 2024 12:00:00
CBC Manitoba
Rebel removed, ramparts razed: The top Manitoba political stories of 2024
At city hall and the Manitoba legislature, 2024 will be remembered for some minor caucus drama, major fiscal headaches and a decidedly anticlimactic swing of a wrecking ball. Here are the top five pol ...More ...
At city hall and the Manitoba legislature, 2024 will be remembered for some minor caucus drama, major fiscal headaches and a decidedly anticlimactic swing of a wrecking ball. Here are the top five political stories from within Manitoba.
25 Dec 2024 12:00:00
CityNews Winnipeg
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed wit ...More ...
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
The 76-year-old monarch said he and his family are “continually” impressed by those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
“From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed,” he said in a prerecorded speech.
The broadcast came several hours after the monarch waved to a large crowd of onlookers who traditionally gather to see the royal family attend Christmas Day services at a church on Sandringham, the estate on the windswept North Sea coast that has served as a family retreat for generations.
The king walked with Queen Camilla as his eldest son, Prince William, Kate and their three children followed. The king’s daughter-in-law, who has slowly returned to public duties after completing chemotherapy, hugged a cancer patient after the service.
Two of Charles’ siblings, Anne, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, were also in the procession.
Notably absent at St. Mary Magdalene Church was Prince Andrew. The king’s 64-year-old brother has retreated further into the shadows amid news that a Chinese businessman had been barred from the U.K. because of concerns he cultivated links with Andrew on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
Andrew, once second in line to the British throne, has become a constant source of tabloid fodder because of his money woes and links to questionable characters, including the late American financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Even after stepping back from public duties, Andrew has continued to appear at family events and his absence from Sandringham suggests a further retreat from the public eye. The king has been under pressure to distance Andrew from the royal family to avoid further embarrassment to the monarchy.
While Andrew said he never discussed anything sensitive with the suspected Chinese spy and had ceased contact with the man as soon as concerns were raised, the scandal raises further questions about his judgment and distracts from the work of the royal family, said Ed Owens, author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?’’
“The reason why this is a problem for the king is simply that the king is trying to rebrand the monarchy at the moment, centering its focus around him, but also around William, Catherine, what they are trying to do,” Owens said.
“It’s been a very difficult year for the monarchy, not least because of the two cancer diagnoses. And all the positive headlines that the king has been trying to generate of late, unfortunately, are overshadowed by the behavior, the reckless behavior, of his younger brother, who once again finds himself in the headlines.”
The king’s Christmas speech is the third since he ascended the throne after Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022, but the first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February.
The monarch’s holiday message is watched by millions of people in the U.K. and across the Commonwealth, with many households timing Christmas lunch around it.
The king’s treatment, which is believed to be ongoing, forced him to step away from public appearances for two months. He has slowly returned to public life in recent months and was in good spirits on a tour of Australia and the South Pacific in October.
A few weeks after Charles began treatment, the Princess of Wales announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year.
In a voiceover for her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, which was recorded this month but broadcast on Tuesday evening, Kate also reflected on the love and support that she received.
“The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” she said. “It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.”
Charles spoke at the Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, which was part of the now-demolished Middlesex Hospital where his first wife, Diana, opened London’s first dedicated ward for those with AIDS.
The king had tasked the team organizing the broadcast with finding a site away from the royal estate, and one with health connections, a strong community presence and a place of solace and reflection for those with or without faith.
It’s a rare occasion when the monarch’s Christmas message is not recorded at a royal residence, notably Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. The last time his late mother recorded her message outside the royal estate was in 2006.
Charles also paid his respect to World War II troops who perished on the beaches of northern France as well as the few remaining veterans, many of them centenarians, who attended the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy in June.
He said it was an “enormous privilege” to meet “the remarkable veterans of that very special generation who gave of themselves so courageously on behalf of us all” but that the specter of war was haunting the world this Christmas.
“During previous commemorations, we were able to console ourselves with the thought that these tragic events seldom happen in the modern era,” he said. “But on this Christmas Day, we cannot help but think of those for whom the devastating effects of conflict in the Middle East, in Central Europe, in Africa and elsewhere pose a daily threat to so many people’s lives and livelihoods.”
On the domestic front, the king expressed his “deep sense of pride” for communities that came together after riots broke out in many towns and cities in the summer following a stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and several wounded.
The post King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses appeared first on CityNews Winnipeg.
25 Dec 2024 11:55:39
The Walrus
What Brought Us Joy in 2024
Making space for happiness, pleasure, and fun in a challenging year The post What Brought Us Joy in 2024 first appeared on The Walrus. ...More ...
Making space for happiness, pleasure, and fun in a challenging year
The post What Brought Us Joy in 2024 first appeared on The Walrus.1 week ago
VOCM
Over 300 Impaired Drivers Nabbed by RCMP in 2024
RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador arrested nearly 320 drivers for impaired driving so far this year and they’re taking a zero tolerance approach to enforcement over the holiday period. People c ...More ...
RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador arrested nearly 320 drivers for impaired driving so far this year and they’re taking a zero tolerance approach to enforcement over the holiday period.
People can expect to see more checkpoints and traffic stops over the coming days.
If you suspect someone is driving impaired, contact your local police by calling 911 and provide a description of the vehicle, its location and a licence plate, if possible.
RCMP Traffic Services increases impaired driving detection over the holiday season; nearly 320 drivers arrested in 2024 – https://t.co/NnlKVL06mx pic.twitter.com/VsOKY0pmSB
— RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador (@RCMPNL) December 24, 2024
1 week ago
CBC Newfoundland & Labrador
Have X-ray, will travel: Hopedale's pilot project for portable health care a big success, says manager
A pilot project that brought a portable X-ray unit to a remote Labrador community has been deemed a success, says the program's manager. ...More ...
A pilot project that brought a portable X-ray unit to a remote Labrador community has been deemed a success, says the program's manager.
1 week ago
CBC
Russia targets Ukrainian energy infrastructure during Christmas Day attack
Russia launched a massive missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Wednesday, striking a thermal power plant and prompting Ukrainians to take shelter in metro stations on ...More ...
Russia launched a massive missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure on Wednesday, striking a thermal power plant and prompting Ukrainians to take shelter in metro stations on Christmas morning.
1 week ago
Village Report
Taliban say Pakistani airstrikes killed 46 people in eastern Afghanistan, mostly women and children
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan’s airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children, a Taliban government official said Wednesday.
1 week ago
Discover Westman
Celebrating Art and Music: Highlights from Heritage Home for the Arts in 2024
.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } Killarney's Heritage Home for the Arts had a quieter fall season; however they had a livelier set of concerts through their Perform ...More ...
Killarney's Heritage Home for the Arts had a quieter fall season; however they had a livelier set of concerts through their Performing Arts Network.
Arts Administrator for the Killarney and Area Arts Council, Giselle Beaupre, says the Northern Pikes were a big hit, as was the tribute to Johnny and June (Carter) Cash this Fall.
Getting closer to Christmas, they had a great response from the public when they opened their doors to their patrons with gift shop items in November, making it into a bit of a Christmas party!
Each month they feature an art exhibit at their arts gallery, showcasing the artwork of both local artists and from artists farther away.
"It went by so fast but in every area that the council dabbles in, with exhibitions, the gift shop, performing arts and even workshops, even though they were quieter than usual, we really feel like we really had a good fall," shares Beaupre.
And if I look back at 2024, all 12 of our exhibitions were really well received during the entire year!"
Please listen to more with Giselle Beaupre below!
1 week ago
Discover Westman
Storybook Magic and Community Spirit: Highlights from the Peace Garden's 2024
Peace Garden CEO Tim Chapman with his wife, Mariel, and twin boys, Prine and Whitten (missing from the photo is their newest addition Levi) .captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right ...More ...
For the International Peace Garden, 2024 was a year of getting back to normal, when activities and events returned to the Peace Garden's seasonal itinerary.
"It was a really special year," says CEO Tim Chapman. "It was kind of the first year back where we felt like we were getting beyond the pandemic impacts. Visitation from both sides of the border was up and was close to - if not exceeding - 2019 levels. So, that was really nice to see."
The season started beautifully on Mother's Day when the cacti and succulent Conservatory was officially open to the public.
"As the year has gone on more has come together in the Conservatory and so in that way it was really a banner year to be able to re-open that facility to get to the point now where we're doing free Senior Wednesdays in the winter, and that's going to come with some additional programming in the new year," he explains.
"So, after what felt like a really long three years, 2024 felt normal again, which was really nice," adds Chapman.
The highlight of the summer was the captivating theme for their flowerbeds being focused on storybook characters.
"It was an absolute blast," says Chapman, "It was definitely the most fun theme since I've been here. Just to see the look on kids' faces when they were doing the scavenger hunt and finding the different storybook characters while also stopping by the book boxes to read, was just really great to see because as a garden .... really is always going to be focused on what can we do on the educational side of things while also maintaining the fun aspect of what we do every summer."
Students from the Boissevain School's shops class built the book boxes for the Peace Garden to complement the storybooks that were included in the garden designs.
"We've got a couple of ideas on the backburner as far as other projects that we think the shops class would really enjoy, and similarly it would be the type of project where the install would last for quite a few years," shares Chapman.
Please listen to more with Tim Chapman below!
1 week ago
Steinbach Online
With three more nights of service left, Operation Red Nose looks to finish strong
In the Southeast, we have Operation Red Nose St. Malo and Operation Red Nose Steinbach and La Broquerie. Photo posted to the Operation Red Nose St. Malo Facebook page..captiontext { font-size:90%;font ...More ...
It's been a great year for Operation Red Nose here in the Southeast, and they have three more nights of service left.
As SteinbachOnline reported on Friday, Operation Red Nose Steinbach and La Broquerie had given nearly 100 rides heading into this past weekend. Then, on Friday and Saturday, Jo-Anne Dalton says they gave another 36.
“It was a busy weekend. We expected it to be busy, there were lots of celebrations happening the weekend before Christmas, so we were ready for it, and we had a really good weekend.”
Similarly, Charmaine Gosselin from Operation Red Nose St. Malo, says they have had a great year so far.
“First of all, the weather's been really good. We've had some years where it's been so cold and really tough to volunteer on those days, but we've had a great year with good numbers. To date, we have given 185 rides.”
For those that don’t know, Operation Red Nose provides safe rides home during the holiday season. Dalton says the thing that makes them special is that they take your vehicle home as well.
“We're going to come with our vehicle and a few volunteers and we're going to drive your vehicle. Two of our volunteers go into your vehicle and then our third volunteer is in their own vehicle following you home. We take you and your car home.”
Operation Red Nose doesn’t provide rides on Christmas Day, but they will be up and running this coming Friday and Saturday as well as New Year’s Eve.
Gosselin says New Year’s Eve is the busiest night of the season.
“It's busier times three, it's a really busy night.”
She notes they do their best to make it a fun evening for volunteers.
“Really, there's not a lot of rides until after midnight, so the volunteers have a ton of fun, we have board games, we have non-alcoholic drinks, we really do give the volunteers that New Year's Eve feel when they come and volunteer for us.”
Normally, Operation Red Nose St. Malo would run with seven or eight teams on New Year’s Eve, but Gosselin says they only have two signed up so far this year. She notes they are actively looking for more people to help out.
Similarly, Dalton says Operation Red Nose Steinbach and La Broquerie could really use a few more volunteers for the last three nights of service.
To volunteer in the St. Malo area, click here. If you are interested in volunteering in the Steinbach and La Broquerie area, click here.
Anyone can use Operations Red Nose’s services, and they are encouraged to donate when they do.
Dalton says “Lots of donations have come in, just about $3,500 in donations from rides, which is fantastic, and that'll all go towards new playground equipment at Ecole St. Joachim in La Broquerie.”
Meanwhile, in St. Malo, Gosselin says “At the end of the campaign, all of our ride donations are going back to the volunteer's favorite nonprofit. If you really want your money to go towards your local arena, or a resource center in your local community, we will give our ride donations back to the volunteer's nonprofit choice. Right now, we have $4,500 to give away and we're anticipating giving away a lot more.”
To get a ride from Operation Red Nose Steinbach and La Broquerie, call 204-424-9555.
To get a ride from Operation Red Nose St. Malo, call 204-347-5518.
Phone lines are open from 9 PM to 2 AM on ride nights.
1 week ago
Steinbach Online
Hope and humility: Local leaders celebrate the heart of Christmas
A school choir performs at the Steinbach Credit Union in December.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk opened the final City Council meeting of ...More ...
Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk opened the final City Council meeting of the year on December 17 with some reflections on Christmas in Steinbach. He emphasized the community's Mennonite heritage, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and service. Traditions include sharing meals rooted in Mennonite culture, charitable acts for those in need, and community events like church services, carols, and nativity scenes that bring the Christmas story to life.
Mayor Funk said that, for Steinbach, Christmas is a living tradition, celebrating love, faith, and hope as enduring gifts to share with others.
Watch his ‘Christmas Council’ opening here.
Other local politicians also offered their holiday greetings and thoughts on the season.
Jim Funk, Reeve of RM of Hanover
"Christmas, to me, is a lot more than gifts and visiting with family and friends. Although they are a crucial part of the season and important to me it is time to reflect on what God did for mankind and what He offers He offers us. A gift no other can give and it is a gift no one can take from us. On behalf of my family to your family, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year."
Myron Dyck, Mayor of Niverville
“I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, health and happiness to you and your families in 2025."
Kelvin Goertzen, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for Steinbach
“Christmas is a special time of the year for many people, but I also know that for others Christmas can be a difficult time of the year, but the one consistent regardless if it's a difficult Christmas or the best Christmas you've ever had, is that there is hope. And the message of Christmas is hope. The coming to the world of Jesus Christ is all about hope for the world that sometimes doesn't feel hopeful. So regardless if you're having one of the great Christmases of your life or you're having a difficult Christmas, a consistent part of Christmas is hope and that is my hope for a constituents that they feel and they're touched by the hope of Christmas.”
Ted Falk, Member of Parliament for Provencher
“Merry Christmas to all the residents of and constituents of Provencher. From myself and my wife Irene and my extended family, we wish to everyone a very Merry Christmas and a hope-filled time where we can look into this next year with joy and anticipation. Really what we're celebrating here at Christmas now is the fact that God sent his son, Jesus, so that he could have a relationship with us, that we could be restored into a relationship with Him. I want to wish everybody again a Merry Christmas and God's richest blessings in 2025.”
Don Plett, Senator, Leader of the Opposition
"As we celebrate this joyous season, let's remember the true reason for Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago in a humble manger in Bethlehem, our Savior was born, bringing hope, love and salvation to the world. This Christmas may we reflect on his teachings and the profound impact of his life. Let the light of Christ fill our hearts and homes, guiding us to spread love, kindness, and compassion to everyone around us."
With files from Shannon Dueck, Adi Loewen, Judy Peters and Kenton Dyck
1 week ago
CBC Manitoba
Manitoba Perspectives 2024
From the east side of Lake Winnipeg, to Opaskwayak Cree Nation and beyond, a look at how Manitobans are embracing the land around us. The sights and sounds of our province that you may have missed in ...More ...
From the east side of Lake Winnipeg, to Opaskwayak Cree Nation and beyond, a look at how Manitobans are embracing the land around us. The sights and sounds of our province that you may have missed in 2024.
1 week ago
CBC Manitoba
Different prayers for different faiths may get 'everyone on board' with changing legislature prayer: Kinew
Manitoba's premier is open to the legislative chamber hearing a rotation of different prayers reflective of various faith traditions so more people can see themselves and their religious practices r ...More ...
Manitoba's premier is open to the legislative chamber hearing a rotation of different prayers reflective of various faith traditions so more people can see themselves and their religious practices reflected.
1 week ago
CBC Toronto
Can fentanyl exposure lead to overdose? Despite cases of police sent to hospital, research says it's unlikely
In December, officers from 3 police services in and around Toronto were taken to hospital after being exposed to fentanyl on duty. Research suggests there is no significant risk of being poisoned from ...More ...
In December, officers from 3 police services in and around Toronto were taken to hospital after being exposed to fentanyl on duty. Research suggests there is no significant risk of being poisoned from coming into contact with the drug, with Health Canada saying harm from skin exposure is 'extremely unlikely.'
1 week ago
Discover Westman
Ghost of Christmas toy crazes past: A guided tour through historic holiday hunts
(from left to right) Trent Medynski, Alexander Peters.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } As the holiday season unfolds, it’s hard to ignore the convenience of modern ...More ...
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s hard to ignore the convenience of modern-day shopping—just a few clicks on a smartphone, and your Christmas list is complete. However, it wasn’t always this simple. Gone are the days when families braved packed department stores in search of that elusive Christmas toy.
Trent Medynski, host of Morden's Pop Culture Expo, offered some insights into the frenzy of past holiday shopping seasons, sharing memories of the chaotic but magical moments that defined the Christmas toy craze for himself, and those who came before and after his experience growing up in the 80’s.
The Cabbage Patch craze
The year was 1983. A new line of toys had just hit the market offering a customizable sense of individuality virtually unheard of in a doll up until now. Not only built with quality but with personality. Every doll was different.
Combine that with footage circulating of parents swarming store shelves in an attempt to get their child the perfect toy to create their perfect holiday season, and the cocktail for one of the world’s most iconic Christmas toy hunts was formed.
Medynski shared his recollection of the events, saying, “I vividly remember stores not having enough product, people waiting in line outside the stores and you know, being I guess we’ll say rude when they got in. Scrambling because they wanted to get that one present for their kid that everybody’s after.”
He pointed to the hit 1996 Christmas film Jingle All the Way starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which depicted the chaos of the hunt for a coveted toy—Turbo Man, saying that it was loosely based on the Cabbage Patch frenzy.
Toys that defined Christmases past
Medinsky’s personal experience, however, was not with Cabbage Patch Kids, but rather with different franchises entirely.
"As an eighties kid, G.I. Joe in the early eighties was the biggest one for me," he recalled. "In 1984, I got quite a bit of G.I. Joe and Star Wars." For Medinsky, these action figures were his most coveted items, but the excitement didn’t stop there. "In 1988, the big toy of the year was the Nintendo... the classic NES," he said. "My brother and I were over the moon with that."
Later, in 1989, the Game Boy hit the market, and Medinsky, lucky to receive one, fondly remembers his first handheld gaming experience. "It was a big Christmas for us," he said, sharing that his mom went out of her way to ensure he received the gifts he wanted.
The shift toward electronic toys
As the years have passed, the toy landscape has evolved. The mid-to-late 1980s brought about a surge in popularity for the 'electronic toy', with products like the Atari 2600 in 1979, and the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985 leading the charge. Medinsky reflected on the excitement of receiving a Super Nintendo in 1990 and how those electronic toys became staples in his holiday memories.
The hunt for the elusive toy
With online shopping now being the primary way many people do their holiday shopping, one might wonder: do kids still face the same struggles of finding that elusive toy today? Do parents still need to hunt down that Teddy Ruxpin?
According to Medinsky, while the shopping experience has undoubtedly changed, the craze persists. "I think the industry nowadays is more prepared for it than they were back then," he said. "Things are more mass-produced now and more readily available... and there are many more stores and ways to order online."
However, for many, the hunt for a specific toy remains a part of the holiday experience. Medinsky recalled his nephew's excitement in wanting Beyblades, a combative, modern take on the traditional Spinning Top. "I know that there are still those key gifts every year that children want," he said, suggesting that while the way we shop has changed, the excitement of the hunt is still alive.
Related stories:
- 384 reasons to smile: Spreading Morden Christmas cheer
- 10,000 people create warm memories, enjoy holiday spirit at Christmas Glow in the Country
A timeless toy
Medinsky also shared that if he was able to bring one toy back into relevance today, it would be the 1985 Nintendo NES. "That’s still a classic toy... it’s kind of timeless." He further explained that his eight-year-old nephew adores the old Nintendo system and will in fact be receiving NES cartridges for Christmas this year.
Though the way people shop may have evolved, the spirit of excitement and anticipation remains the same. Whether you’re hunting down the latest tech gadget, or reliving the magic of all that is retro, the holidays still have the power to bring joy, surprise, and a bit of chaos, just as they always have.
Medynski closed out our conversation by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Look forward to the next Morden Pop Culture Expo on May 24th and 25th 2025.
To hear the full interview with Trent Medynski, click below. Also, visit Trent's socials by clicking here.
1 week ago
Swift Current Online
RCMP encourage safe celebrations
Photo of RCMP on Highway One. (File photo).captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } While the season for celebration is in full swing, RCMP are hoping to wish everyone a saf ...More ...
While the season for celebration is in full swing, RCMP are hoping to wish everyone a safe Christmas and New Year, giving southwest residents a friendly reminder to have fun responsibly.
Staff sergeant Evan Gordon with the Swift Current Municipal RCMP Detachment encourages anyone heading out to find a safe ride home by planning ahead, getting a cab, having a designated driver, or even walking.
"We're quickly approaching the wrap-up of this season as well as New Year's and the celebrations that go along with that," shared Gordon. "We'd just like to remind people that just like any other time of the year, alcohol and driving shouldn't mix."
It's important to note the mandatory alcohol screening which came into effect this year, making it a requirment to take a roadside breath test during any police stop and refusall to do so can result in criminal charges, demerit points, vehicle impoundment, and more.
"Your local police will definitely be out and about," he said. "You can always expect the possibility of a proactive check stop like we had here a couple of weeks ago or those enforcement patrols throughout the City.
"Our police officers will be watching for poor driving behaviour, folks leaving licensed establishments, and just checking to make sure people are driving safe and driving free from alcohol."
Penalties for impaired driving can include anywhere from a 72 hour driving prohibition to indefinite driving prohibitions, vehicle impoundment that can range from three days to 60 days, fines between $150 to $8,700, a conviction under the criminal code, the possibility of time in jail, and more.
"These are all good reasons to abide by the impaired driving legislation that's in place in this province, but the best reason is to keep yourself safe and keep other motorists on the road safe," Gordon added. "The biggest penalty of all could be a loss of life, whether it's the person who decided to drive, a person who got into a vehicle with an impaired driver, or just another motorist on the highway that had nothing to do with the decision to drive after consuming alcohol."
From January to November of this year, Saskatchewan RCMP came across more than 3,700 drivers who'd consumed alcohol or drugs, resulting in around 1,400 criminal code charges and 2,300 roadside suspensions.
For more information on impaired driving penalties for each driver class, visit SGI's website.
Cabs in Swift Current include Phantom Cabs at (306) 773 - 8887, United Taxi at (306) 773 - 2084, and Legendary Cabs at (306) 741 - 4310.
1 week ago
Victoria Times-Colonist
Struggling Valencia hires West Brom manager Carlos Corberan as its new head coach
VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Relegation-threatened Valencia has hired West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan as its new head coach through June 2027.
1 week ago
VOCM
Furey Starting to See Gradual Improvements in Health Care System
Premier Andrew Furey says some of the changes government has been making in the health care system are starting to be felt on the front lines. Furey was responding to concerns from the opposition par ...More ...
Premier Andrew Furey says some of the changes government has been making in the health care system are starting to be felt on the front lines.
Furey was responding to concerns from the opposition parties that, despite many announcements and initiatives, workers in the system are not yet seeing the benefits that government has been touting.
Furey says the system is quite large, and not all of the effects are going to be felt immediately.
That said, Furey acknowledges that he still does some work in the system, and the frontline workers he has talked with are starting to see some changes.
He uses surgical wait times as an example. He says the largest number of joint replacements in the province’s history was done over the last year, which means that those patients aren’t sitting at home in pain.
1 week ago
Toronto Star
Missile fire from Yemen's Houthi rebels sets off sirens in central Israel for the second night
NAHARIYA, Israel (AP) — A missile launched from Yemen triggered air raid sirens across central Israel early Wednesday, sending millions of residents looking for cover for the second night in a row.
1 week ago
Village Report
Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashes in Kazakhstan leaving 32 survivors
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday in the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, leaving at least 32 survivors, according to officials. More than 30 people are likely dead.
1 week ago
CBC Nova Scotia
Nova Scotians showed their kindness this year. Here are 6 stories to prove it
From knitting blankets for the less fortunate to saving someone who fell into an open manhole, Nova Scotians showed their kindness in 2024. ...More ...
From knitting blankets for the less fortunate to saving someone who fell into an open manhole, Nova Scotians showed their kindness in 2024.
1 week ago
CBC London
Q&A: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen prepares for lunar mission
Jeremy Hansen will be the first Canadian astronaut to orbit the moon. The Artemis II mission is set to launch in April 2026. ...More ...
Jeremy Hansen will be the first Canadian astronaut to orbit the moon. The Artemis II mission is set to launch in April 2026.
1 week ago
CBC London
5 artists who were on repeat on CBC London's playlist in 2024
London Morning music curator Ryan Soulliere keeps his ear to the ground listening for new and interesting songs. With a look back at 2024, he shares five artists that had frequent plays on London Morn ...More ...
London Morning music curator Ryan Soulliere keeps his ear to the ground listening for new and interesting songs. With a look back at 2024, he shares five artists that had frequent plays on London Morning this past year.
1 week ago
CBC London
'It's surreal,' says London, Ont., man visiting family home in Syria for first time in 12 years
After fleeing Syria 12 years ago, a London, Ont., man is visiting his home in Damascus now that the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria has fallen. ...More ...
After fleeing Syria 12 years ago, a London, Ont., man is visiting his home in Damascus now that the Bashar Al-Assad regime in Syria has fallen.
1 week ago
CBC News Brunswick
How $10 might help change a life in this corner of New Brunswick
In Kings County, a social media group harnesses the power of pocket change to help community. ...More ...
In Kings County, a social media group harnesses the power of pocket change to help community.
1 week ago
CBC Toronto
Toronto's year in chaotic weather and wondrous wildlife
Arguably, Mother Nature was Toronto's newsmaker of the year. ...More ...
Arguably, Mother Nature was Toronto's newsmaker of the year.
1 week ago
The Trillium
Hospital workers who refused COVID vaccine lose court battle
More than 50 hospitals and hospital groups were named in a class action lawsuit by employees terminated or suspended for not getting a COVID-19 vaccine
1 week ago
CBC Prince Edward Island
Many holiday items can be recycled or composted but foil means trash, says P.E.I. waste agency
Waste not when it comes to packaging materials you could recycle instead of tossing this year. Read on for a listing of what Island Waste Watch wants to you to sort out after Christmas. ...More ...
Waste not when it comes to packaging materials you could recycle instead of tossing this year. Read on for a listing of what Island Waste Watch wants to you to sort out after Christmas.
1 week ago
Toronto Star
Toronto highway closures for planned roadwork on Dec. 25
Highway 400 and Highway 401 are affected
1 week ago
Toronto Star
Toronto's Dec. 25 forecast: Chance of flurries
The daytime high is expected to reach -1 C and there's an expected morning wind chill of -7 C
1 week ago
VOCM
Bannerman Park Loop Now Open
Anyone who got new skates for Christmas can give them a try at Bannerman Park in St. John’s through the holidays. The Loop officially opened yesterday for the winter season. Skaters will be ab ...More ...
Anyone who got new skates for Christmas can give them a try at Bannerman Park in St. John’s through the holidays.
The Loop officially opened yesterday for the winter season.
Skaters will be able to use the surface from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily when conditions are favourable and when regular ice maintenance is not taking place.
1 week ago
Toronto Star
At least 13 people killed in Pakistani strikes on suspected militant hideouts in Afghanistan
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Local Afghans and the Pakistani Taliban said Wednesday that civilians, including women and children, were killed after Pakistan launched rare airstrikes inside neighboring ...More ...
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Local Afghans and the Pakistani Taliban said Wednesday that civilians, including women and children, were killed after Pakistan launched rare airstrikes inside neighboring Afghanistan.1 week ago