CONNECT with Sarah Crosbie

Sloan Voxx of Voxx Promotions tells us more about the Decimate Metalfest in Merritt, Alberta.  They have come under fire for bringing drag performers to the show, but Sloan tells us why those shows will go on and how the metal community is rallying behind them.

How can you stage Chariots of Fire as a play? Easy ... treadmills. Rosebud Theatre's Aaron Krogman says real running means actors are "sweating and breathing hard." Chariots of Fire runs until May 25.

Hate negotiating your cellphone plan and price (and the bundle that comes with it?) There's a broker for that ... Michael Lavigne's Time Brokers Enterprises negotiates for you: "When I see the sticker regular price, I think, 'Sure. Sure. We'll see.' "

TRUE CALGARIAN: Elliot Hunter cleaned up garbage around Westbrook LRT after listening to Connect on QR Calgary. "I live in the area ... really struck a chord with me. It's a neighbourhood I grew up in. Why not lend a hand?"

Diehard Calgary Flames fan Matt McQueen won't go to Tim Hortons until they get rid of Edmonton Oilers doughnut. "I wouldn't even buy one to throw it in the garbage can. I would just leave it to stale in the display case."

Living big in a tiny house: Ashley Kozoriz, husband and two children are happy in 300 sq.-ft.-home (and that includes a loft!) Family documents their life on YouTube's That Hippie Family: "You only have what you need ... anyone can do it."

Hey, Wayne Gretzky ... Jack Arshawsky has a case of hockey cards (including your rookie card) and he wants YOU to have it. Paid $3.72 million US for "super mega box, authentically certified, sealed and intact, and only one known to exist in whole world"

Restaurants love selling pizza. Here's why, according to food expert Vince Sgabellone. Industry analyst, food and foodservice expert at Circana explains why Tim Horton's also has some new "pepp"-eroni in their step.

Why is my teenager sighing so much? That breath is just starting to be understood ... Dr. Jan-Marino Ramirez from the University of Washington says, "the sigh has a function within the central nervous system ... we're just beginning to understand the 'sigh centre' and your brain."

Middle Class Canada: Are you "middle class" if you don't own a house? Michelle Maroto from University of Alberta: "What we think of middle class is going to change ... home ownership might not be that key component."

Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer, Economics, Concordia University, helps us understand the impact playoff hockey has on our economy, and if it's a huge loss when the Flames miss the post-season.

Artist Ekow Nimako pieced together 1 million LEGO pieces for Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships exhibit. "There's still a void of representation, which is why building black came about". Exhibition on at Glenbow until May 19.

Calgary is now "Blue Sky City": Why is the sky blue? Zack Anderson from Telus Spark Science Centre explains the science - and whether aliens would also see a blue sky.

"Dumpster Fire" - Kris Sims, Alberta director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, on federal budget. "We could balance the budget if we reverted back to 2021 levels of spending. Period. We're not talking about draconian cuts."

Oil, gas - and maple syrup? With Quebec's maple syrup reserve dwindling, could Alberta take over? Utah State University's Jesse Mathews research into box elder maples shows "encouraging" data for "trash" trees.

True Calgarian: Mark Groves on working as a "human connection specialist." Calgary founder of Create The Love is also a speaker, motivator, creator, collaborator and new author of Liberated Love.

What is de-escalation training? Alberta teachers may need it to deal with skyrocketing aggression in schools. Dr. Evan Hoffman, instructor in faculty of management at Victoria Island University, teaches courses on de-escalating conflict.

What is an intimacy director? Anastasia St. Amand creates safe space for new Theatre Calgary play Selma Burke: Coach, choreographer and "conduit" says listening, being supportive are key in role that blossomed from MeToo movement.

Women's sports scoring massive TV ratings ... and Portland's The Sports Bra is loving every second of it. Bar is first of its kind - venue is 100% dedicated to women's sports. "Beautiful thing is I thought I was opening the Sports Bra for a niche market, a small wedge of society ... it touches across all parts of society, similar to music or food. It's part of culture." - Jenny Nguyen, owner and founder of The Sports Bra

Friends are talking about drought interbasin diversion and intrabasin diversion and you don't know difference? Tricia Stadnyk, professor and Canada Research Chair in hydrolic modelling with the University of Calgary, explains.

Stranger Things just one of the shows that may be trivializing your teenager's pain: Research from University of Calgary's Dr. Melanie Noel finds entertainment world needs much more empathy.

Edward Van Heeren, Sar Alberta Central deputy director and Rocky Sar Vice president, joins guest host Jock Wilson to tell us how Alberta Search and Rescue work to save those who find themselves in life-or-death situations.

Here's the point: Math historian Glen Van Brummelen makes discovery about the first use of the decimal: Trinity Western University dean of science learns decimal is 150 years older than previously thought.

Kate Malcolm, who moved to Canada in 2017 from the U.K., helps newcomers adjust to Canada's cultural norms.

TRUE CALGARIAN: University of Calgary Dinos pitching coach Jordy Alexander eyes repeating conference championship. Drafted by Kansas City Royals and a member of Team Canada squads, leftie thrower now works with ball players of all ages, including athletes at Calgary Bucks.

Calling in 'HOLIDAY": Have you ever told your boss you're sick on a day following a major celebration? With data from 100,000 businesses, BrightHR knows why employees said they couldn't work after St. Patrick's Day.

Have you heard the one about the woman who's an accountant by day, comedian by night? Calgary's Amy Bugg has new special called Little Stinkers out April 12.

Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer, Economics, Concordia University, tells us why music festivals struggle to bring in cash and why Edmonton gets bigger concerts than Calgary.

Black Forest Wood Company dreams of building furniture from 125-year-old Stampede Elm tree, donating it to City of Calgary. GM Dylan Thomas says his father was "shop class champion" before starting business that now has global audience.

Paul Smith, Orkin service manager for Calgary, details their new report on the “bed buggiest” cities in Canada.

Pressure power: New report from University of Surrey finds increased shower pressure reduces water use: Prof Ian Walker on how 86,421 showers resulted in new work "Water Pressure and Smart Timers Impact Shower Efficiency."

Lily Lake Resort stolen 500-pound taxidermy polar bear: Has "Harry" been found yet? Along with two stolen taxidermy raccoons, resort is out $35,000 in animals.

True Calgarian: Two Wheel View uses bicycles to empower change: Laura Istead, executive director, says Earn A Bike program helps youth learn life skills, team building - and bike mechanics.

Melissa Dohan's daughter Evie finds her voice thanks to GRIT (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today). Born early, five-year-old Evie has a complex medical history: "GRIT provides a full spectrum of therapy."

Calgary dancer performs at the 2024 Oscars: After performing at Academy Awards in 2023 and this year, Billy Mustapha isn't just going for three-peat ... he's driving for more.

How a grandmother's $500,000 lottery win inspired her grandson to play the lottery - who then won $250,000. Airdrie's Jacob Brown won on the LOTTO MAX and EXTRA draw thanks to his grandmother ... and a DNA kit?

"Swiftonomics" - is Taylor Swift boosting the economy with her tour? Moshe Lander, senior lecturer, economics, Concordia University, on whether an Alberta stop could solve all our problems.

What can Calgary learn from California? UCLA architecture professor Dana Cuff authored state law so single family housing could have rental units. "LA is the mother of all suburbs. We were responsible for coming up with post-suburban ideas. I'm very sympathetic to what you're going through."

Voice twins: Dave Dickenson or Craig Dickenson? Jock Wilson from Sports Talk quizzes Sarah on Calgary Stampeders brothers. CFL siblings sound very similar. Can YOU tell if it's Dave or Craig? Stampeders GM/head coach Dave Dickenson now joined at Stampeders by brother Craig who'll be a senior consultant.

True Calgarian: Author Amy Lin writes Here After memoir after discovering "limited language" for young widows. Her husband died at age 32: "Grief has its own grammar and I didn't know any of it before Kurtis died."

Naheed Nenshi's NDP leadership announce video hits a sour note with Sarah Crosbie ... the treble, er, trouble with it. Former mayor of Calgary's big announce falls FLAT because of his strange choice of music.

Jeromy Farkas on Naheed Nenshi's entering NDP leadership race - but first, thoughts on Nickelback closing out Calgary Stampede. Farkas and Nenshi worked on Calgary City Council for four years together: "I found him to be open to compromise."

Skipping off to Finland: Carstairs' Myla Plett's curling skills takes her to World Junior A Championships; "Wanting to best" her sisters introduced her to the sport; future goals include playing pro.

True drought "fax" about Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz and her plans to digitize water permits. Also says she's teaching her young children about water conservation and would take on 3-minute shower challenge.

"Just say 'no' to Nenshi": Political columnist Rahim Mohamed says former Calgary mayor is president of his own fan club, not right lead to Alberta. National Post writer says Nenshi entered the race too late, won't win NDP leadership race.

Calgary International Auto and Truck Show: Lexus of Royal Oak - "Proud we're on the hybrid revolution." Todd Richardson, dealer and general manager, celebrates return of event; says new technology is "amazing."

Town of Cochrane is ready for the drought: How a Frisbee factors into their drought action – and how they prepared. Shane Hubl, director of operations services for Cochrane, explains how the town took action early and is ready for 2024

Triple Negative Breast Cancer - what is it? Donna Ouellette shares her battle of rare disease in the hopes that her battle can help save others. It is primarily diagnosed in people 40 and under.

Bug-sniffing dogs? Orkin Canada creates bed bug K9 task force. K9 handler Sherry Chapman tells us how her dog can sniff out bed bugs – and her dog has the BEST name for the job.

Wait 'til you get wind of this: Canvus turns old turbine blades turned into benches. Brian Donahue explains how seats - coming soon to Canada - can also be painted by artists.

Why you were in a tizzy when Facebook and Instagram went down for a few hours today. Dr. Anabel Quan-Haase from Western University says even though it's free, Meta has responsibility to keep sites working perfectly.

Body language expert, Inbaal Honigman, tells us the most common misconceptions about business body language and the role it plays in a job interview.

Want a pay raise at work? Do NOT say you need more money because of inflation. Instead, say THIS. Alan Kearns, founder of CareerJoy, explains best things to explain to your boss if you want a hike this year.

Would you give 1% of your income to fight climate change? New paper from Germany's University of Bonn says 69% of world is willing to do it. Teodora Boneva says the research examines our willingness to work collectively and our desire for political action.

True Calgarian: Wade Ames slaughters competition to head to medieval combat world championships. He will be joined by others from Calgary, Crossfield, Airdrie, Okotoks and Claresholm to compete in Mexico City in May. Fighters train and compete in full, period-accurate armour and with steel weapons - that are blunted at the end.

Cochrane's Pickering family is holding a bottle drive ... to help take care of their daughter fighting brain cancer. Mother Lorraine says two-day event will help cover expenses for another few months. Two Pharmacy in Cochrane hosting event Friday, March 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Arthur Milnes was research assistant on Brian Mulroney's memoirs: "He loved the human comedy and the game of politics." Milnes watched Question Period with former prime minister: "It was like watching Stanley Cup game with Wayne Gretzky." Brian Mulroney passed away at the age of 84, it was announced on Thurs. Feb. 29, 2024.

It's two months past Christmas - and Jessica Lee still has her live Christmas tree up ... but why? Twinkling holiday decoration brings some joy and light into an otherwise dark winter, writer says.

LAST SHOT: Data expert Jon Schwabish analyzed last shots in report Last Minute Hockey Goals. "Do NHL teams score a lot in the last minute? Turns out, yes, they do. Generally."

LAST SHOT: Planet of the Apes, Citizen Kane and Psycho top film professor's best "last shots". Mount Royal University's Lee Easton explains some of his favourite classic movie endings.

Sports Talk's Jock Wilson shares some of his favourite "LAST SHOTS" in golf, basketball and hockey with Sarah Crosbie as the show explores the theme of LAST SHOTS after Premier Danielle Smith said it's Alberta's "last shot" to get the Heritage Fund right.

Alex McKay, Executive Director of the Sex Information & Education Council of Canada, joins us to share his insight into sex-ed curriculum in Canada.

What if Calgary pulled a France and banned cellphones in public places? Social media educator Jessie Miller from Mediated Reality says "no phones" encroaches on personal freedoms (and it will never work)

Your driveway "bumping"? Research from University of Canterbury, New Zealand, explores importance of driveways as gathering places. As Calgary reimagines role of our driveways, professor Simon Kingham says they are important community hubs. Research paper "Living Well In Your Local Neighbourhood: The Value of Bumping and Gathering Places" looks at role our neighbourhoods play in our socializing and wellbeing.

True Calgarian: How duck tongue helped Rupert Garcia win silver medal at Canadian Culinary Championship. Chef is leading relaunch of Hawthorn Dining Room at the Fairmont Palliser hotel.

Raising the minimum wage? Canadian Federation of Independent Business points to importance of supporting local. Andrew Sennyah, senior policy analyst, shares interesting stat on how much money stays in community when you shop "Calgary".

Raising the minimum wage? Vibrant Communities Calgary says modest living wage would actually be $23.70 per hour. NDP leadership race "raises" the question of whether it's time to bump up hourly wage to $16.

University of Calgary's Graduate Students' Association looks to Quebec for "soft rent cap" model as a pilot project for Alberta. President James Steele presented Soften the Blow report to provincial government as students are priced out of housing

Calgary's golden bachelor: Krystal Walter Matchmaking helping find love for client in his 80s. He's active, into the arts, loves photography. and has a science background ...

Understanding difference between Calgary and Edmonton encampments for those experiencing homelessness. Chief bylaw officer Ryan Pleckaitis says it's "heartwarming" to see peace officers working to help those in need.

Inspiring teachers to inspire your children: SAIT's Jason Purdy shares love of blacksmithing. "Make Your Own Fire Poker" one of the courses offered at annual teacher convention weekend.

Should you be allowed to park your trailer in your driveway? City council to revisit how long you can park your "play" vehicle. Councillor Andre Chabot says four months is too long and 36 hours is too short. Where's the happy medium?

The Science Behind: Dr. Dan Devoe's research into eating disorders scores invite to present in Japan. Mount Royal University psychology professor will present on links to behaviour addictions and impulse-control disorders.

Why more Calgary spaces are seeing more cockroaches - and why they're bad for your health. Orkin Canada says they can cross-contaminate food sources and cause sickness, disease.

True Calgarian: Dempsey Bolton sets aside astrophysics degree to follow his dreams - making music. Singer and producer says his new single Couple Minutes about mental health.

Cold snap just the pits for BC Cherry Association: President Sukpaul Bal explains grind of working as a cherry farmer in Canada.

Calgary CTrain safety: Understanding role of "community" when discussing female riders. David Cooper, principal of Leading Mobility, a national transit planning consulting firm., says changing transit safety perceptions takes time.

The 112-year-old Grand Theatre in Calgary might have to close its doors. Devon LeClair, Board Chair of Grand, tells us why.

Calgary housing rezoning discussions take us to inspiration of Minneapolis: Evan Roberts with Neighbors For More Neighbors explains what we can learn from U.S. predecessor.

You feel safer on CTrain during the day. But after dark? Only 39% feel safe, new study says. Calgary Police Supt. Scott Boyd says encouraging riders feel safer - but more work to be done.

True Calgarian: Angelina Lyla Haji "keeps the Earth fresh" one piece of litter at a time: How University of Calgary student uses technology to tackle trash

John Oakey, VP of Tax at CPA Canada, tells us why he thinks this tax season might be painful.

Shelly Qualtieri, a Registered Social Worker, gives us her expert advice on supporting loved ones while they tackle mental health.

First human receives Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant: What it means for future medicine. Karen C. Cheung, professor in electrical and computer engineering at UBC, explains - and shares story of why she became scientist.

Alexander: The Making of a God features expert interviews - including Mount Royal University's Dr. Carolyn Willekes. Story of Alexander The Great features assistant professor whose love of history and horses was perfect for Netflix docuseries.

SAIT's Erik Hansen, winner of prestigious culinary Trophee Jean Rougie, says his father inspired him to cook. Twenty-year-old says he's looking forward to more travelling where "the food is as great as the people."

Will Jeromy Farkas run for mayor of Calgary again? Survey says ...!

"This council is not particularly progressive, nor is it particularly conservative. They can't pick a lane" - former city councillor Jeromy Farkas. Tax hikes and single-use bylaw: Is this current city council just dysfunctional or is something else at play?

Alberta Teachers Association not consulted on UCP's parental rights policies, guidelines: ATA president Jason Schilling. "Our concern and our focus is on our students to make sure they are safe, they are secure."

How will Canada's low fertility rate affect your family? Dr. Don Kerr from King's College at Western University says future family gatherings could look quite different

Janet Stewart with Woods Homes joins us for a deep dive into youth mental health and the programs offered by Woods Homes to help them.

True Calgarian: How high school student Ella Layzell found the "beach" in Calgary to make her volleyball dreams come true; From William Aberhart to University of Central Arkansas on NCAA Division 1 scholarship.

Would you buy a car on Amazon? No test drive. No salesperson. No big deal? ... Vivek Astvansh from McGill University explains how it works - and how soon we could do it in Canada.

Alyssa Grocutt lost her father to an industrial accident in Fort McMurray. Her life's work aims to help others through similar tragedies. Now working on PhD at Queen's University on workplace injuries and fatalities on secondary victims.

Science Behind ... Alberta 30% Diploma Exams with Dr. Dan Devoe: Mount Royal University professor says it's "BS" if you believe these tests prepare teenagers for stress in careers.

Should Grade 12 Alberta diploma exams be worth 30%? Discussion with University of Calgary's Dr. Amy Burns: Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs in Education Werklund School of Education, says "experience" can be valuable.

Ever been bewildered by a beloved box-office hit? Is Sarah only one who didn't love Barbie? Dr. Lee Easton, film professor Mount Royal University, weighs in after Oscar snubs reignite Barbie passion.

What is "salad-bar extremism'? Dr. Michael King, research director at Organization for the Prevention of Violence, explains how the Internet fuels it.