Well, prairie storms are famous for explosive house and bone shaking thunder, lightning, strong wind, and humongous fast dumps of water, and hail. Manitoba has had tornados in the past, but usually in numbers and smaller with some but little effect due to the majority of population being here in Winnipeg which has so far been spared of any tornado of great size. I think Saskatchewan has more than their share of big tornadoes. Strong winds, mini tornados (so to speak), sometimes do minor damage here, mostly at the city limits, but sometimes in the city.

However, a few years ago, just before we had Canada’s largest F5 on the outskirts of Winnipeg, 10 miles from my home, Manitoba was added to Tornado Alley. So, I guess it’s safe to say it occurs much like in North Dakota and with states south of there. It varies, and storms can be few and far between or days on end. I remember all of August, some years back, having been miserable. Because fishing is poor before, during, and after a storm, I recall that. A lot of people like to watch the lightning storms here. Me? I just respect it.

I’ve been in close proximity with a tornado on a weekend trip to Fargo, ND. Not a lot scares me, but facing a tornado certainly does. Very destructive and very scary.
FSB

Arizona:
http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/tornado/Arizona

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

NFL: Preseason Browns at the Giants.

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"Electric Lady"

Not sure. The wife just turned on some show called IT LIST California Vibes. Looks like a travelogue in and around California. Fast paced and pretty good.

FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

American Dad!

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

"Rick Steves' Europe"

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Live coverage of a shooting in Fredricton, New Brunswick. Other than 4 people killed, little else is known. The area is blocked off.

Social media such as Twitter and cell phones being used for video are being criticized because it puts people at risk should the shooter have access.

911 is telling people not to call for information on this, only for the typical emergencies as intended.

News coverage speaking to residents on the phone have told each who called not to give any revealing details of where they or the police are, etc. That’s a refreshing change from today’s competitive coverage.

It must be a difficult situation, because cops are getting ongoing advice from other city police who have experience with this. The RCMP are also onboard.

Best to the authorities and residents who remain in their homes and businesses under lockdown.

Let’s hope it is resolved safely.

FSB

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Update: Two officers were killed along with two other people. One suspect is in custody. Sadly, the province of New Brunswick is still in mourning for Moncton’s five under gunned officers that in 2014 left three of them dead and two injured all in one incident. It’s terrible that today’s cops who saved many others by the apartments, homes, stores, and daycare centre gave their lives to do it.
Condolences to all affected.

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

I read this sad story this morning. It only mentioned that four people were killed and two were police officers. Nothing was said about motive. My condolences go to those affected, too.

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

Yes, Marky. The press to their credit are, for the most part, reporting at arms’ length in respect for the town, the cops and their investigation. A little different than even we are used to seeing,; but, definitely different than the usual reporting in your part of the world. However, as is everywhere, there is no shortage of politicians jumping in to the arena.

We know one of the first responding officers had two years as a full time officer and leaves three kids, the other 20 years with 4 kids, and another man and woman unidentified to the public, Suspect is in the hospital, serious condition, but that’s basically it. No other pertinent information is available.

If the world isn’t crazy enough, a Vancouver man was fatally shot to death in a fit of road rage.

Oh, Canada.

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

Thanks for the update. Even with super-strict gun laws the bad guys still get them. Just another black market item.

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

The Green Mile

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"Electric Lady"

You are right there, Marky. We had a decent reputation for managing gun violence not long ago; but, Canada’s demographics have changed as have generational attitudes. No laws are effective if lawbreakers choose to ignore them.

Canada has a reputation for being a giant international broker (ask NRA’s president Ollie North) for everything from small arms to superguns. Then we have government sponsored digital 3D smart military guns designed and introduced by Canada Colt circa 2015.

Please, everyone don’t begin a debate on gun regulation here. I know the differences as a former Fish and Wildlife member. Any mention here is simply to announce that Canada not only is a gun toting country, but always has been with it’s culture for profit mainly.

Canada’s population is about 36 million with about 10 million personal guns estimated, and a 10% increase yearly. Who knows what the amount of illegal guns are on the street? It’s said most are domestic. Big change and, sadly (I can say that as a former competitive DCRA/NRA member) I don’t expect the clocks will turn back to reason and safer times.

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

West Coast Customs

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Marky

Remember the music is not in the guitar

I’m looking at a promo for

Lynyrd Skynyrd
IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW

Premieres Saturday, August 18
On Showtime
(Also, The Movie Network)

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Hello, big guitar. Meet my little fingers.

"Globe Trekker"

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