The Ted Henley Blog - 660News Calgary

What’s one thing that affects people around the world – no matter they live?  The weather.

Good or bad – weather impacts all aspects of life.  That’s why we talk about it at least every 10-minutes on 660News.  That’s why our expert David Spence is a meteorologist – a scientist who studies the weather and climate.  It’s also why I’m moving forward with my campaign.

It is toque weather in Calgary.  If you actually need proof… just watch Stephen Avenue as commuters try to keep their ears and heads warm as they head to work.  Or, take a look at all of the matted and disheveled hair as people dig into their pockets for change to buy their morning coffee.  I am not alone.  I am justified in my drive to legitimize the term “toquehead”.

I’ve begun researching the Canadian Oxford Dictionary.  It’s been published every year since 1998.  It’s a division of the world renowned Oxford English Dictionary family in England – which also publishes dictionaries in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and America.
 
The Canadian Oxford Dictionary has five lexicographers.  They are the editors who research, compile and ultimately decide which words are included.  Every year thousands of new words get published.

A stroke of luck!  One of the lexicographers studied English in Calgary so she knows our weather.  She will be my contact.

More good news. “Chinook” is in the latest edition!  Let’s hope a snow-eating wind arrives soon.  Until then – keep your head warm — and send me suggestions on how we can bribe David Spence to change the weather: ted.henley@rci.rogers.com.

This is my first blog. I’ve been told to use it to introduce myself and promote the show I host with Lynda Parcels every Monday to Friday from 5:30 – 9:00 AM. My blog is supposed to talk about behind-the-scenes stuff… you know… things like how Lynda doesn’t like it when I don’t refill the coffee maker… or how
David Spence sometimes talks about things other than the weather. I’ve decided to go against the grain. I’m starting things off selfishly and using this space for my own personal gain.

Today, I’m announcing my goal to get the term “toquehead” into the Oxford Canadian Dictionary.

As I write this it’s -13C with wind chill of -24C. THAT is cold. I feel for anyone who didn’t wear a toque today. I get to work at around 4:00 AM to prep for the show – and today I LOOK like I got here at 4:00 AM. But I don’t care. In fact, today, I’m quite proud and I’m embracing my toquehead. It’s a thick mat of hair raised on the back of my head. It’s nothing major, but my toquehead is defying the laws of gravity.

To be honest, my campaign started because I’m a terrible speller. I had to look-up toquehead and it turns out I had to guess at the correct spelling because it isn’t in my dictionary. “Blog” is in there. So is “eh” and “toonie”. Even “beer league” is a legitimate term. Why not “toquehead”?

Seriously… we all know what a toquehead is. I know there are a lot of people like me walking around their office after having worn a toque on their way to work. I say stand tall. Hold your disheveled-hair high and join me in my campaign.

I have a plan. We’ll get started in my next blog.

In the meantime… email images of your favourite toque to ted.henley@rci.rogers.com.