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So, do ya like your wobbly pops?  If so, better stock up this weekend.  Beer prices are going up on Monday.  The province’s liquor commission is hiking the price of a 12 pack by a buck and a quarter.  Increased supplier and vendor costs are being blamed.

Most analysts are saying yesterday’s federal budget was pretty ho hum, with nothing new and exciting in it.  The Harper government did admit they would be turning off the stimulus spending taps, and will now start concentrating on bringing down the deficit.  That means, no federal department will be spared the knife…cuts are coming to places like the space agency and defence.  As well, all MP’s, Ministers and Senators will have their wages frozen for the next 3 years…and that also includes the Prime Minister.

Manitoba’s finance minister is breathing a sigh of relief following yesterday’s federal budget.  Rosann Wowchuk says she’s happy Ottawa isn’t cutting transfer payments to the provinces.  That being said however, Wowchuk went on to say that the entire budget, in her estimation, was pretty vague in nature.

The budget will not trigger another election, even though all 3 opposition parties are rejecting the document.  Liberal Leader, Michael Ignatieff says even though he doesn’t like it, he knows Canadians don’t like the prospect of going to the polls, even more.

Toyota executives are hoping a little rah-rah-sis-boom-bah, will help company morale.  In Japan today the company held a rally aimed lifting the spirits of embattled workers.  Company President, Akio Toyoda, urged workers to…in his words….”go with high spirits, have fun, and be confident while staying humble.”

Another morning of aftershocks in Chile today.  The city of Concepcion was rocked by a strong aftershock today.  It measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.  That sent people running into the streets in panic.  It was one of dozens of aftershocks to hit the country since last weekend, when it got hammered by that huge 8.8 quake. 

A man in Calgary is facing charges after a hostage taking at a junior high school.  A secretary was held at knifepoint by a 25 year old ex student who blamed the principal for a sports injury he suffered 10 years ago.  2 hours after the incident began however, the man gave up after he was given a bottle of water.  Luckily nobody was injured.

Well all this nice sunny, warm weather is doing more than just putting people in a spring like mood.  It’s also lessening the threat of a serious flood.  But, Chief Flood Forecaster, Alf Warkentin does remind people that the province needs a lot of sun before it significantly changes the flood outlook.

The Minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission says they plan on targeting the vices of teens this summer.  On the heels of a survey that showed 20 per cent of Grade 9 students said they binged when they drank, Gord MacKintosh says the government plans a crack down.  He says fines will be increased and a public awareness campaign will be launched.

Yesterday it was the Throne Speech, today, it’s the budget.  Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will rise in the Commons this afternoon to deliver the document…which is to be the Tories last free spending budget before working to chip away at the 56 billion dollar deficit. 

One of the nuggets in yesterday’s speech was news that the Harper government might gender-neutralize our national anthem.  The feds apparently plan to ask a Parliamentary committee if the words, “in all thy sons command” should be replaced by “thou dost in us command.”  A tongue-twister for sure….it’s the exact phrase in the 1908 poem on which the lyrics are based.

Looks like the fix isn’t in, at least when it comes to the problems some Toyota cars are having.  At least 15 Toyota drivers have told U.S. safety officials, their cars have sped up on their own, even after taking them in to get them fixed. 

Indeed, it was cheese in his pants.  And no, he’s not happy about the sentence he got.  A California man convicted of walking out of a store with a bag of shredded cheese hidden in his pants, has been sentenced to nearly 8 years behind bars.  But, believe it or not, it could’ve been worse.  At first, prosecutors were seeking a life sentence under California’s three strikes law.

Olympic bronze winning figure skater, Joannie Rochette will say her final goodbye today to her mother and her number one fan.  The funeral for the 55 year old Therese Rochette will be held this afternoon in Quebec.  Therese if you recall died of a sudden heart attack two weekends ago, shortly after arriving in Vancouver to watch her daughter compete in the Winter Olympics.

Did you see this on the news yesterday?  U.S. federal aviation officials are none to amused by an air traffic controller at New York’s JFK airport, who brought his son to work last month, and let the kid converse with pilots on the runway.  As you can imagine, that controller and his supervisor have now been suspended. 

The pilot who landed that U.S. Airways plane safely on New York’s Hudson River last January, says he’s retiring after 30 years of flying the friendly skies.  Captain Chesley, “Sully” Sullenberger flew his final flight yesterday.  The 59 year old says he plans on spending some of his time pressing for more flight safety.

Quite the seen yesterday at the Public Safety Building downtown.  It was evacuated yesterday after a handful of workers suddenly became ill.  Most were complaining about nausea and difficulty breathing.  The building was searched and air quality tests were done, but, nothing was found.  People were allowed back in about 5 hours later. 

No surprises’s in yesterday’s provincial by-election in Winnipeg’s Concordia riding.  The NDP won the seat held by former premier Gary Doer.  Doer’s former assistant Matt Wiebe easily beat out his Tory and Liberal opponents by a margin of 3 to 1.

The province is fending off accusations that it’s soft on crime.  New figures show a rise in the number of people who get into legal trouble again after being released from jail.  In fact, 75 per cent of those who spend time in the slammer, will apparently make another appearance in jail.  Tory leader Hugh McFadyen says it’s all because jail life in this province is too cushy.

There’s soon gonna be a new health clinic in Charleswood….one that will not take your medical card, but rather, your credit card.  Businessman Darren Jorgenson says he’s found a way to legally run the clinic that charges patients for services.  He says the clinic will use nurse practitioners instead of doctors.  The nurses can prescribe certain medications, order tests and treat a wide variety of ailments. 

The Hockey Hall of Fame wants to enshrine the stick that Sid the Kid used to score the winning goal in Sunday’s gold medal men’s hockey game against the U.S.  Problem is…..it’s gone missing !  It was in the moment after scoring that we saw Crosby’s jubilant toss of his stick and gloves ahead of being mauled by his teammates in celebration.  Officials say an investigation is now underway to find out if the gear was accidentally placed in another bag, or if it was stolen.

MP’s get back to business on the Hill today, first hearing a 6 thousand plus word throne speech outlining the Harper government’s plans and priorities for the months ahead.  The speech is expected to talk about how the Tories will start dealing with the estimated 56 billion dollar budget deficit.  More money talk will happen tomorrow, when the budget gets brought down.

The spotlight will shine on Canadian music today when the Juno Award nominations are announced.  Bryan Adams is set to receive a humanitarian award this year, and April Wine will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.  This year’s Juno Awards will be handed out in St. John’s Newfoundland on April 18^th.

Did you see this last night?  Former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin turned into a standup comic on Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show.“  She dropped one liners about the White House, Congress and Tiny Fey, the SNL star known for her impersonation of the ex Alaska governor. 

Another day, another recall to tell you about.  Nissan is now the latest global automaker to announce a massive global recall.  The Japanese automaker is recalling 540 thousand trucks, SUV’s and minivans to fix problems with brake pedals and fuel gauges.  Most of the vehicles affected are in the U.S., but there are some in this country too.  The company says you will be contacted if you own one of the affected vehicles.

There’s still no word on whether those 2 city high school teachers will be fired for doing that sexually suggestive dance, in front of students.  School Division trustees discussed the issue behind closed doors last night.  Apparently a full investigation also continues.

Bad news for the 345 machinists doing maintenance in the city on Air Canada planes.  They are among more than one thousand machinists who work in Montreal and Vancouver too, about to lose their jobs.  The layoffs will take place in April and June. 

Ever wondered what the most popular name for boys in Manitoba is?  Well, we can tell ya it’s Liam.  And for girls, it’s a three way tie among, Emma, Ava and Olivia.  There were 110 Liams born in Manitoba last year, compared with 100 Ethans, ending an impressive run that saw Ethan top the charts from 2003 to 2008. 

Toyota execs and U.S. federal regulators face another day of grilling by a congressional panel today.  Questions remain over whether Toyota’s massive recalls of the past few months, have full addressed sudden, unintended acceleration. 

From Toyota to General Motors.  That company is now planning to recall 1.3 million Chevy and Pontiac compacts in North America because of potential power steering problems.  G.M. says the cars are still safe to drive, but it may be harder to steer them while driving under 25 kilometers an hour.  In this country, the recall affects Chevy Cobalts as far back as 2005, along with 2007 to 2010 Pontiac G-5’s, and, 2005 and 2006 Pontiac Pursuits.

Chile is asking the world for help now, as it struggles to pick up the piece’s from this past weekend’s killer earthquake.  The death toll as of this morning is now at 723.  Chilean officials have sent an official request to Canada with a list of urgent needed items…..thinks like generators and satellite phones.  Canadian officials say they’ll help out any way they can.

Sounds like the own the podium program will be around for a bit.  Prime Minister Harper hinted yesterday that his government might keep it in place.  The federal budget comes down on Thursday…and that’s when we should know for sure.

So now that the games are over, what are some of the Canadian athletes doing?  Well gold medal speed skater Lukas Makowsky is looking forward to a lot of sleep…..skeleton champ and Manitoban, Jon Montgomery says he’s bucking to get a haircut and do some laundry.  And bobsledder Chris Le Beehn, says he can’t wait to spend some time with his newborn son.

A “Baywatch” babe, an astronaut and an Olympic gold medalist are among those who’ll compete on the upcoming spring season of “Dancing With The Stars.”  ABC revealed the new cast yesterday and it includes, Pam Anderson, Kate Gosselin, Buzz Aldrin and gold medal skater Evan Lysacek.

Bit of a slap in the face to one Mr. McGwire.  The Missouri state senate is looking at changing the name of a stretch of interstate in St. Louis.  It was designated “Mark McGwire highway” back in 1999, a year after the Cardinals slugger hit a then record 70 home runs.  But since then, McGwire has admitted he used steroids.  So now, the senate is looking at changing the name to Mark Twain highway.

3 relative political rookies are vying to fill former Premier, Gary Doer’s shoes.  A byelection will be held tomorrow for the seat Doer held for almost 25 years.  Most analysts say it’s a safe seat for the NDP, but candidate Matt Wiebe says he’s not taking anything for granted. 

City police say an education program is needed to inform people about the risks of Oxycodone addiction.  The powerful painkiller, also known under the brand name of Oxycontin, appears to be the new drug of choice for middle class Manitobans. 

One man is dead, and another injured after two pickup trucks collided head on in south Winnipeg.  Police say the one man who did survive the crash was taken to hospital with serious injuries.  Right now cops are trying to determine if alcohol, speed or weather may have been factors. 

Gotta love this one.  It seems Prime Minister Harper is owed a few cold ones by his American counterpart.  Harper and President Barack Obama, made a friendly wager on the outcome of yesterday’s gold medal hockey game.  So that means, Obama will have to pick up a 24 pack of Molson Canadian for Harper.

It’s back to Parliament Hill for politicians this week as the Harper government prepares to outline its plans for the days and months ahead.  Both the NDP and the Liberals say they expect to hear nothing new in Wednesday’s throne speech, or, Thursday’s budget.

Lawyers for former hockey star, Rob Ramage will be in an Ontario courtroom today.  They’ll be arguing that he should get a new trial on impaired and dangerous driving charges.  At the very least, they want his 4 year sentence in the 2003 crash that killed his friend, and fellow NHL’er Keith Magnuson, to be reduced.  Ramage has been out on bail since receiving his sentence in 2008.

“Shutter Island” is still the top destination for movie-goers.  The psychological thriller staring Leo DiCaprio, held top spot at the box office for the 2^nd straight weekend, taking in 22 million U.S.  Debuting in a close second was “Cop Out,” followed by the opening of “The Crazies.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is opening an area where people can see things that might not be as flashy as the main exhibits….but are still pretty darn cool.  The Cleveland museum will open its library and archives later this year.  Things like Jim Morrison’s first poem will be there, as well as old audio and video recordings, contracts and album covers.

Looting has become a problem in some Chilean towns, ravaged by this weekend’s monster earthquake and its many aftershocks.  The government has sent soldiers and now ordered a nighttime curfew in hard hit areas.  Right now the death toll from the 8.8 quake, is sitting at over 700.

Could you have scripted a better closing to the Olympics?  Don’t think so.  Team Canada won a true thriller over the U.S. yesterday, 3-2 in sudden death overtime.  Across the country, happy Canucks poured into the streets in a frenzy of celebration…and, Winnipeg was no different.  Police ended up having to close Portage and Main after the big win after thousands poured into the street to celebrate.

New measures are in the works to protect city cab drivers.  A safety committee at the Manitoba taxicab board has approved a plan to increase the size of those protective shields that currently sit behind the driver’s back.  Cabbies will soon have to have the new shields that also protect them from the side.  The changes come after a number of attacks on drivers this year, including one that left a driver with brain damage.

Some would say that this news isn’t that surprising.  Police say violent crime in Vancouver is up some 17 per cent since the Olympics started.  However, they also add it’s almost entirely due to Olympic protests that marked the first two days of the games.

Well if you’re planning a trip east today, you may have a headache or two.  A slow moving storm is causing problems in the northeastern part of the U.S., prompting airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.  New York City has already been hit with almost 30 c.m. of snow, with more on the way.  And power is out to thousands in the area.

Hockey Canada is apologizing for the way the women’s hockey team acted after winning the Olympic gold medal last night.  While still in their uniforms, and wearing their medals, the players drank beer and champagne while on the ice.  Officials say they sorry if the celebration may have caused any embarrassment for the I.O.C., or the Canadian Olympic Committee.  The Canucks by the way, beat the U.S. 2-0, to claim a third straight gold medal in women’s Olympic hockey.

Well, don’t be surprised if there are long lineups today to buy lottery tickets.  The jackpot in tonight’s Lotto Max draw is 50 million dollars.  That’s only 4.3 million less than the biggest lottery win in Canadian history.  A bonus of 9 other one million draws will also happen tonight.

SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida says it’ll keep that killer whale which drowned its trainer on Wednesday.  However, the park is suspending all orca shows while it decides whether to change the way handlers work with the huge mammals. 

An emotional Walter Kay-nig, was overcome with grief after learning his son’s body was found in Vancouver’s Stanley Park.  Kay-nig, who played Ensign Chekov in the 60’s t.v. series, “Star Trek” says his 41 year old actor son, Andrew, committed suicide.  He says his son spent years battling depression, and was off his medication. 

The autopsy report on actress Brittany Murphy is in…and it says she was weakened by severe anemia.  It also adds that, that left her vulnerable to pneumonia and the prescription drugs she was taking to treat it.  Murphy, who was 32, died after collapsing in her L.A. home on December 20^th.

So the Winnipeg School Division will decide the fate of those 2 high school teachers who performed a sexually suggestive dance at a pep rally last week.  The male and female teachers have both been suspended with pay pending an investigation.

City police have charged a couple with harbouring at risk teens.  Back on February 18^th, an at risk 15 year old girl was reported missing.  Officers found her and two other at risk teens, aged 14 and 15 at a downtown residence.  A 40 year old man and 35 year old woman were arrested at the home and now face charges under the Child and Family Services Act.

Warning for parents this morning.  Health Canada says parents should stop using another brand of drop side cribs.  About 1200 hundred cribs sold in this country between 2001 and 2004 are being recalled after reports of 3 infant suffocation deaths.  The cribs were sold under the name, ChildESIGNS, through retailers like the Bay and Sears.

Seaworld has got a pretty major decision on its hands today.  They are not quite sure what to do with a whale that killed one of its handlers yesterday.  The trainer had been rubbing the 12 thousand pound killer whale from a poolside platform after a show, when the animal reached up, grabbed her with its mouth and dragged her underwater.  This by the way is the 3^rd time this exact whale has been involved in a human death.

A new website has sprung up to warm social networkers that revealing too much information, like there whereabouts, could have some nasty consequences.  The site’s name is “Please Rob Me.”  Its message is that unsuspecting people may think they’re just telling their friends where they are….but, thieves and other unfriendlies may catch wind of it too.

Jay Leno will have lots of firepower when he returns to host his old time slot.  He’ll be joined in the first two weeks by major musical acts, along with such guests as Jamie Foxx, Sarah Palin and Brett Favre.  Leno returns March 1^st after his prime time show tanked.

Quite the day and testimony down in Washington yesterday.  Toyota’s president insists the causes of sudden, unintended acceleration in some of his company’s cars and trucks are not electrical.  Akio Toyoda apologized in English for the various safety problems that have prompted a mass global recall of 8.5 million vehicles. 

A city teen has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to bring a gun to a high school yesterday.  Police say no gun was seized and no one was hurt.  The 18 year old, who attends Vincent Massey Collegiate, apparently threatened to show up at St. Norbert Collegiate with a firearm.  So far, police haven’t decided yet whether or not they’ll lay charges.

A couple of teachers at Winnipeg high school are spending their last days at home without pay, following their performance at a pep rally last week.  A video, taken last Wednesday at Churchill high school, showed the two in some pretty interesting sexual like positions.  And, it didn’t take long for the video to circulate on the internet.  One student said it looked like the pair were having sex on the dance floor.

26 years to the day the frozen body of a Winnipeg teen was found, a man accused of abducting and killing her will go on trial.  44 year old Mark Edward Grant has pleaded not guilty to first degree murder in the death of 13 year old Candace Derksen.  Grant was arrested in 2007 after cops reopened the investigation into Candace’s unsolved murder.  His trial is scheduled to begin in January of next year. 

An Orlando, Florida t.v. station says Tiger Woods has offered another apology….this one to the parents of the children attending the same preschool that his 2 year old daughter Sam attends.  WFTV says the golf star and his wife Elin, have offered a personal apology to parents for any inconvenience caused by all the media scrutiny. 

Walmart is expanding yet again.  The world’s largest retailer says it plans to open as many as 40 more super centers across Canada this year.  Walmart says that’ll create up to 6500 jobs in the construction and retail sectors.  The company already employs some 70 thousand people at its Canadian stores.

Charlie Sheen has checked into rehab, shutting down production of his hit t.v. show, “Two and a Half Men.”  His publicist says the move is voluntary, but doesn’t specify what the 44 year old actor is seeking treatment for.

The head of the world’s largest automaker will face angry American lawmakers today in Washington.  Toyota’s president, Akio Toyoda, grandson of the company’s founder, is set to apologize in person at congressional hearings into the company’s massive recalls.  Toyota has recalled almost 9 million vehicles in this country, and around the world, for things like sticky gas pedals, faulty floor mats and glitchy brakes.

Wednesday is shaping up to be a very tough day for the president of the world’s largest automaker.  Akio Toyoda, will be grilled in Washington by a congressional committee about delays in recalling 8.5 million Toyota vehicles in this country and the rest of the world.  According to prepared testimony, the company will accept full responsibility for all the steps that led to the recalls.

A spike in the number of homeless animals has the Winnipeg Humane Society turning to Edmonton for help.  Over the weekend, the society sent 21 mixed breed puppies to that city’s Humane Society.  A spokesperson says for some unknown reason, Winnipeg’s shelter has been flooded with homeless pets since mid January.

Smokers in the city may soon be banned from lighting up within 50 meters of any outdoor youth soccer game.  The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association wants to institute a smoking ban following complaints about smelly smoke last year from parents and refs. 

A Winnipeg businessman who plead guilty to smuggling drugs is now off to jail for 4 years, and has been ordered to turn over nearly 4 million dollars in cash and property, deemed to be the proceeds of crime.  39 year old David Sokalski was involved in a cross border conspiracy that saw barrels of raw ephedrine smuggled into the U.S. to meth labs run by the Mexican mafia. 

Next week the feds will hand down their new budget….but already, some of what’s in it has leaked out.  Don’t expect any new spending or tax breaks.  The March 4^th budget will apparently outline Ottawa’s plan to slow its rate of spending to begin chipping away at a 56 billion dollar deficit. 

Toyota is now under a pair of U.S. federal investigations in light of its recent global recalls affecting almost 9 million vehicles.  The first of two congressional hearings will begin today, and top Toyota executives are expected to testify.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced who’ll do the presenting of the latest inductees March 15^th in New York.  Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio will induct the rock group, Genesis.  Wyclef Jean will honor Jimmy Cliff, the Bee Gee’s will induct ABBA and Jackson Browne will induct David Geffen.

So Canadian atheletes may not have made it to the podium as often as they’d hoped during these winter games, but the Olympics are sure giving Canadians a sense of national pride.  A new poll out this morning says 77 per cent of Canadians believe the winter games are doing a lot to unite the country.  And 58 per cent believe the Olympics will be remembered as one of this country’s greatest achievements.

Well what a difference a couple of months can make.  Back in December, officials had said that this year’s flood risk was going to be very low.  Now, 2 months later?  The risk has shot up to high.  Alf Warkentin, the province’s chief flood forecaster says that’s thanks in part to all the snow and moisture south of the line.  Warkentin says the weather will as always play a huge part in what actually happens….but he does think that highways like 75 and 200 will be under water for quite some time this spring.

Another violent weekend for cab drivers in our city.  On Saturday, a cabbie was stabbed in the hand by a client, before being able to get away.  Yesterday, a female driver ended up in a fist fight with a customer, leaving her with injuries to her upper body.  And also yesterday another driver was assaulted by a man who had a knife.  Police are currently investigating all incidents.

Only one flight remains for Endeavour after the shuttle landed safely last night in Florida.  The shuttle’s crew completed the last major construction mission at the International Space Station by adding a room with an observation dome. 

At the box office this weekend, it was “Shutter Island” that came in number one.  The creep crime thriller starring Leo DiCaprio took in 40 million dollars.  “Valentine’s Day” slipped down to second, followed by “Avatar.”

Top experts on hurricanes and climate change have reached a consensus on the relationship between the two.  They say the world is likely to get stronger, but fewer, hurricanes in the future, thanks to global warming.  The experts predict the strength of storms will rise by as much as 11 per cent by the end of the century, but the number of storms could drop by a third.

Labour and women’s groups say the push for women’s equality in this country has stalled or regressed in many areas under the Harper government.  In new report prepared for a U.N. conference on women, they point to the feds elimination of funding for women’s advocacy groups, the closing of 12 Status of Women offices, and weakened pay equity for public servants. 

That Canadian journalist who was help captive in Somalia for 15 months says she really appreciates freedom since returning home.  Amanda Lindhout spoke publicly yesterday,the first time since her return home.  She says she hopes those in Somalia can one day appreciate the freedoms we have in this country.  Lindhout and an Australian photographer were freed back in November after their families paid a ransom.

Canadian Olympic officials say figure skater, Joannie Rochette plans to compete in tomorrow’s short program, despite the death of her mother this weekend.  The 24 year old from Quebec, dabbed away tears yesterday as she went ahead with her practice.  Just hours earlier, Rochette learned her 55 year old mother and number one fan, had died in a Vancouver hospital after suffering a heart attack.

7 Canadian premiers have wrapped up 3 days of meetings with some top level U.S. power brokers.  Manitoba Premier, Greg Selinger says one of the important issues covered during the talks was, improving agricultural relations between the 2 countries.