570News Blog: Kate Stockmann

I’ve been on a “green” kick for a while now, being a big fan of Waterloo Region’s Green Bin program.

There’s a new program of sorts circulating around the web: The 3 Minute Shower.

Apparently, showering for 3 minutes uses as much water as a person in a third world country uses for their entire days activities.  That include bathing, food and drinking.

I’ve been feeling really guilty about the length of my showers ever since I read that. I’ve tried to keep my showers to 3 minutes.  But between the shampoo, conditioning, soap and shaving I just can’t do it.

 It’s my own shame that I just can’t be more efficient in the shower. Some people I’ve read about can even get their teeth brushed in those 3 minutes.

I’m going to keep working on limiting my shower time, and I challenge you to do the same.

 Kate

Today in the Legislature,  Liberal backbencher, David Orazietti is proposing a bill that would make it okay to apologize. That’s right, we need permission for that kind of thing.

 Right now, under the law, if a doctor for example makes a mistake and says they are sorry, it can be used against them in civil court.

Orazietti’s Apology Act will allow people to say they are sorry without worrying it will be used against them.

 The Ontario Medical Association, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and patient’s rights advocates all support the measure.

People feel remorse, it’s only natural. I’d like to think most people are good people and would like to express that remorse. But in our lawsuit-happy society, the legal system twists that into an admission of guilt.

I hope this bill passes. It will bring a little humanity back into the world.

Kate

The weather this week is supposed to be in the double digits every day!

 Even though these temperatures come with a bit of rain, I’m still excited for the warm weather.

For the first time in a long time, I went for a jog outside this past weekend and it felt great!

It’s amazing how a little exercise and sunshine can improve a person’s outlook.

I hope this weather is here to stay and we won’t relapse into winter.

Kate

By law, cyclists have to use roadways and are not permitted to ride their bikes on side walks.

 Presumably this is to prevent injury and upset to pedestrians using side walks.

I would never describe myself as a math wizard, but two equations have me thinking politicians should take a second look at this legislation:

1) bicycle + pedestrian = minor injury, possible broken bones

2) bicycle + automobile = major injury, possible death

A lot of cyclists are little kids. If everyone just paid attention to their surroundings, we could save lives.

 Kate

I’ve never been married. I see nothing wrong with that.  Yet routinely I’m asked “Why not?”

 I like being single. I like being able to leave a mess in the sink and have no one to complain about it. I like going shopping and not having to justify my purchases to anyone. I like being able to eat chips for dinner just because I feel like it.

One day I might take the plunge and I’ll likely not mind giving up my current freedoms. But for right now, I can’t imagine living any other way. For now, my life is 100 per cent mine. I don’t have to consult anyone when I want to make any changes.

I see it has a gift to have this time to myself instead of a curse that I’ve been unable to find The One.

 Kate

Enough already!

 It’s the last week of March and we’re getting another blast of winter.

Now this latest system is not nearly as bad as some we’ve seen but when will it end?

I’ve been looking forward to walking to work with sun shining, birds chirping and my winter jacket hanging in my closet where it belongs.

I truly hope summer comes soon. This is getting ridiculous.

Kate

Every day, during his sports casts, Blair Adams talks about the Leafs playoff hopes.

 I say, “What hope?” Let’s face it, they are not going to make the playoffs.

 I am so convinced of this that yesterday Blair and I made a little wager.

I’ve gone on record as saying if they make the playoffs, I will eat a tablespoon of my cat’s food.

I’m certain I’ll never know what my boy’s food tastes like.

 Kate

After this past weekend’s big snowfall, we are preparing for the big melt.

 I’ve spoken with more than one homeowner hoping their foundations hold.

While the Grand River Conservation Authority is not expecting area waterways to overflow their banks, some people are a little worried about where those mountains of snow on their lawns are going to go.

One thing you can do to help protect your basement from flooding is clear the storm drain at the bottom of your driveway if you have one.

 With any luck, we won’t get anymore snow and the melt will be nice and gradual.

Kate

I’ve reached my snow threshold.

 Yesterday’s dumping put me close to the edge. Now, word that Senior Climatologist Dave Phillips will not be putting his shovel away until after the Victoria Day long weekend, has me surfing the Net for last minute vacation deals.

I can’t take any more snow!! I’m tired of digging out my car and trudging to work knee deep in the stuff. Give me summer or give me death!

Sigh. Okay, I vented. I imagine there’s a lot of people doing that around the Region. However, I will NOT be one of those people complaining about the heat if it ever arrives. You can hold me to that!

 Kate

This week’s story about Prince Harry serving on the front lines in Afghanistan is bringing to light a growing challenge authorities have with the Internet.

 Media outlets were aware he was serving in the country but agreed not to publish the fact until he had returned safely home.

 It was blogger for a foreign news agency that let it slip.

There have been cases in our newsroom when we are following stories involving young offenders that we have found information posted on websites like Facebook that violate publication bans.

Anyone can find out who young offenders are, with a quick search yet if a legitimate media organization were to publish that information the people responsible for the breach could serve jail time.

Yet another case of technology being ahead of legislation.

 Kate