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Our BC Government has ordered a 50-per-cent cut in proposed rate increases for BC Hydro customers, saying families need the break and the Crown corp. can afford the cut. NDP Opposition accused Liberals of using their power to bypass an independent regulatory body. The hydro workers union said the government is hiding its own mismanagement at BC Hydro, while holding back rate increases until after next May’s provincial election http://bit.ly/JBonbU ~Welcome to the Alternate Universe where we the people get rate cuts — and everyone is P.O’d anyway…

Gramma and Grampa are being targeted in by a fraudster offering handyman work – power-washing, painting and such at the door. Guy scammed a handful of elderly victims from Saanich to Oak Bay out of tens of thousands of dollars for work he doesn’t do. The victims have been at least 80 years old, and have been convinced to pay upfront – but then little to no work is ever done. If they don’t have the cash, the guy escorts them to the bank to withdraw money. Most of the victims paid in the range of $1,000 upfront for the unfinished odd jobs. Police recommend that you don’t accept solicitations at your door.  http://bit.ly/LAkxXF

Rumors swirled that the band was self-destructing on the their reunion tour after Van Halen mysteriously postponed over 30 dates last week. David Lee Roth posted a video this weekend explaining the mysteriously postponed dates on Van Halen’s tour. Well – trying to explain it. I did make out that he says “The band is getting along famously,” – sources pointed to fighting with each other was the reason for breaking the dates. Watch the video and see what you make of this: http://vimeo.com/42480835

Links to Rolling Stone story — http://bit.ly/Jo5r5O

Namaste,

Mel Z – Middays on JACK

Shocking weekend for Hornby Island visitors and residents: A 70-year-old Vancouver Island woman died Saturday afternoon when she fell almost 20 metres off a cliff in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby. Out for a walk on a trail in the park with family and friends just after 3 p.m. when she tragically lost her balance and fell. http://bit.ly/Juyxl3

Mark Zuckerberg must be feeling pre-tty good today: After Facebook smashed records when they went on the public market Friday, he’s not only CEO of the billion-dollar social media site — He’s a all growed-up…Zuckerberg and long time girlfriend Priscilla Chan got married this weekend, inviting friends and family for a surprise wedding. California divorce lawyers agree his timing is magnficent – for prenups. Assuming the couple signed a prenuptial agreement, as most wealthy Californians do, Zuckerberg and Chan would have agreed exactly how to split assets, including his Facebook stock, if their marriage dissolved in future http://bit.ly/KJhECp ~Um…they don’t look all that thrilled here –Crank up the happy, folks

We were privy to a Partial Annular Eclipse on Sunday – except for the clouds around here. Here’s some great time-lapse images from California. The next big thing in the sky will be a  on June 5th & 6th with the “transit of Venus” — which takes place when planet Venus passes directly between the sun and Earth. During the transit, Venus can be seen from Earth as a “small black disk” moving across the face of the sun. The is the last viewing of the “transit of Venus” for this century since it will happen again after 105 years, in December 2117.  http://bit.ly/MjN68k

May the week be short and the lunch-break be long!

Mel Z – Middays on JACK fm

Facebook frenzy today: Massive crowds gathered to cheer on Mark Zuckerburg at Facebook HQ in California this morning to ring the Nasdaq opening bell and kick off the public trade of Facebook Stock. Bono, is set to become the world’s richest musician in the world when Facebook’s IPO starts trading today, since he already own 2.3 per cent of Facebook.

But nobody will be counting more stacks of money than Mark Zuckerberg, the 28-year-old founder & CEO of Facebook. The company he built in his Harvard dorm is worth around $100-billion, and young Mr. Zuckerberg will be worth about $18-billion. Even after the company goes public, Mr. Zuckerberg will retain enough control to overrule all other Facebook investors combined. 

Ok — I want some!  Instructions on How to buy Facebook Stock: http://rww.to/J28QUe  Basically, if you want these Facebook IPO shares, you have to be rich and powerful in order to be taken seriously since the big investors are the ones playing Cash Flow with it right now. Average JACK’s are not likely to get our hands on it ~Get me my stockbroker! Oh, yeah…I don’t have one….

The first solar eclipse in 2012 will be an annular solar eclipse this Sunday. This is the first of this type of eclipse visible around here in 18 years. An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse where the moon’s diameter appears smaller than the sun, resulting in the sun looking like a ring or crown of light around the moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes right between the Earth and the sun, partially or totally darkening sunlight. http://bit.ly/JU4P6f

The weekend is packed with great local stuff to do including the Luxton Pro Rodeo & Fair in Langford.  Expect the full fair scene with candy apples and rides along with rodeo action including Saddle & Bareback Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Ladies Barrels, Mutton Bustin’ & Mutton Scramble. http://bit.ly/qT6eS5

Victoria Day Parade is on Monday morning starting at 9am and with 142 entries — With the City of Victoria celebrating 150 years in 2012, expect there to be some different entries and historical twists with Cadborosaurus, Emily Carr’s monkey Woo and more. http://bit.ly/JB44ji

Yeeeehaaaaaw!!

Have a great long weekend, Mel Z – Middays on JACK

Good news if you like to ride your bicycle: A community bike-share program is being recommended for Victoria. Bike-share systems station bikes at docks around the city and you can rent them using a key purchased through subscription or with a credit card. Mayor Dean Fortin said the bike-share is “a cool idea”.  They current use a system like this in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto http://bit.ly/MoKTek

Ok, so gas is expensive, mortgages are nuts in Victoria – but now the unthinkable – warnings of a price spike in the fine-chocolate sector. Possible El Nino weather could affect a possible global cocoa deficit in the coming 2012/13 season. One of the at risk areas, is Ecuador that supplies about half of the world’s fine cocoa beans, for high-quality chocolate in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and France, meaning El Nino weather could affect luxury chocolate brands in particular http://bit.ly/JmCou2 ~Oh good, I’ve already been hoarding…I’ll be ok.

Disco legend Donna Summer has died. Summer passed away this morning after a battle with cancer at the age of 63. Summer was a five-time Grammy winner and had a number of iconic hits through the ’70s and ’80s, TMZ reports that Summer Donna had lung cancer that sources say she contracted by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City. http://bit.ly/KwrSGc

Mel Z – Middays on JACK

Saanich police officers were out in droves at the Quadra-McKenzie intersection yesterday, ticketing people for everything from talking on cellphones to running red lights, it’s one of the worst intersections in BC. This morning, CRD traffic safety commission getting ready to launch a campaign about  motorists and emergency workers. More than 40 emergency workers have been killed or injured while helping people on B.C. roads since 2001. http://bit.ly/JTEfuz

There was a lot of social media sharing yesterday of a scene at youth lacrosse game in Naniamo that turned into a giant brawl last weekend. The Coquitlam team were visiting the Nanaimo Timbermen on Saturday when the 16- to18-year-olds cleared the bench and got involved in the fray.  If you haven’t seen it yet: http://bit.ly/J8BAy4 ~All I know is, Mom’s not impressed. http://bit.ly/JTDzWa

Heard about the fish out of water and right out of a Horror Movie?…Something called a Snakehead Fish may have been spotted in Central Park lagoon in Burnaby and a biologist says it could be a big problem. They can actually take small animals like a chihuahua! On top of that, they can survive on land and wiggle like a snake to find new water.

Entire waterways have been taken over in the Southern U.S. and local species decimated. He said snakeheads are aggressive predators with sharp teeth. Snakeheads come from Asia as part of the live food trade and are also sold in pet stores http://bit.ly/J8ygCZ

Mmm…shall we have a fish n’ chips tonight??

Mel Z – Middays on JACK

BC Government is making good on the HST referendum & has the plan ready to punt the HST: As of April 1 next year, we will no longer pay seven per cent PST for gym memberships, bicycles or dining out. B.C. Finance Minister Kevin Falcon promised would include all the exemptions it had before it was replaced by the HST in 2010, will be new and improved. For businesses, there are improvements Falcon expects will save money and time.  http://bit.ly/L7NWYX

Victoria’s own Ryder Hesjedal is setting a new pace for Canadian cycling. He became the first Canadian to earn the pink jersey as the leader of the Giro d’Italia over the weekend, and he entered Tuesday’s 10th stage wearing it for the third straight day. The 31-year-old joins rare company now, leading one of cycling’s grand tours. Many are betting on Hesjedal to capture the country’s first gold medal in men’s cycling. http://natpo.st/J8ZxWn

A new poll from the US shows that half of Americans think Facebook is a passing fad. As the social network hits public stock markets, half of Americans also say the social network’s expected asking price is too high. Expected later this week, Facebook’s Wall Street debut could value the company at $100 billion, making it worth more than Disney, Ford and Kraft Foods. http://bit.ly/Mh9p0R ~Guess I can’t afford it then…

Beak off about BC’s Family Day with Twitter Town Hall 12p – 1pm @DrMacDiarmid. Just tag #mybcfd and have your say on the Feb holiday ~@MelanieZ_fm www.twitter.com

Shouldn’t some of us GET awarded Facebook shares, if we put in say 100 hours a week? Just a little perk, Zuckerberg – c’mon…??

Mel Z – Middays on JACK fm

Our toes are barely dry from spring but it’s already shaping up to be wildfire season. Hot, dry temperatures in the interior have already led to tinder-dry conditions in the Kamloops and Prince George areas. When they get the dreaded combo of more than 30 degrees and less than 30 per cent humidity — fire officials on edge. Forest Fire officials say careless humans have caused all her region’s fires to date, and the Kamloops fire zone will be under an outdoor-burning ban as of Tuesday. To Report a Wildfire Call Toll-Free 1‑800‑663‑5555 or *5555 on your cell http://bit.ly/IUg4IF ~Hey Smokey! Watch the cig butts!

People on that America’s Got Talent show are really going to have something to cry about now….Howard Stern will be added to the judging panel for the show fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel for tonight’s season premiere of America’s Got Talent. Already, some US groups like the Parents Television Council have condemned Stern’s addition to the lineup. As for tonight’s premiere, Stern says he will watch it with his wife from their bedroom. http://bit.ly/KmX2zG ~Nothing to worry about at all parents…He’s known for his tact on the air…

Walk a Mile in Here Shoes – Victoria 2012 was a huge success this weekend!! $28,000 was raised right here to support the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre’s work! Still make a donation on their website until May 31st, 2012. Organizers send out a big shout out to all that participated, volunteered and supported the event! http://www.walkamilevictoria.com~Oh, that’s JACK’s new friend, Callum –You’ll be seeing him around in the JACKmobile this summer! PS, don’t get a “Mitch-burn” today…

Do I hear a patio calling??

Mel Z – Middays on JACK

Times Colonist Book Sale is back this weekend. At the Victoria Curling Club on Quadra Street, Saturday and Sunday, 9 – 5 p.m both days. Proceeds go to schools and literacy groups on here Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Why are people lined up at 3:30am Saturday?? The prices are great: Hardcovers $3; softcovers $2; paperbacks and children’s books $1. http://bit.ly/KVUDaf

Can you Spare a Quarter: The City of Victoria council meeting to make a call on bumping up drop-in fees at both Crystal Pool and the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre by 25 cents to help meet budgets and costs. If it goes ahead, drop-in fees would increase to $5.75 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, $4 for students, $3 for children and $11.25 for families. http://bit.ly/KQXFgs

Time Magazine stirred up some major controversy yesterday with the headline, “Are You Mom enough?” and the photo that goes with it: A pretty young woman wearing skinny jeans and a tank top, nursing her nearly 4-year-old son (standing on a chair). It’s meant to illustrate a story about Dr. William Sears and attachment parenting but, given that there’s more to that movement than extended breastfeeding, it seems as if Time magazine was going for sensationalism and shock value. It worked – lots of people talking about it and posting online.  http://yhoo.it/Jk3AwK ~This looks like an extreme representation, think that most parents don’t identify with this image, even if they support breastfeeding til the “cows come home”. He’s big enough to go to the fridge and grab a drink, non?

Had to share this too: A new exercise program that will have its participants panting: Dog Yoga – or “Doga” was on the news the other night — ONLY ON VANCOUVER ISLAND!!

Happy Mo’ Day!

Mel Z – Middays on JACK

BC Ferries will get another $80 million in subsidies over the next four years, but the cash won’t be keeping prices down or keep the sailings going on quieter routes. We’re still dealing with the financial hurdles of low ridership and big costs for new ships and terminals that will cost billions of dollars.

The City of Victoria has declared tomorrow Stigma Stomp Day. Stigma exists in the world because of a lack of understanding and knowledge. Free community event that includes t-shirts, entertainment, at Centennial Square on Friday, May 11th for an afternoon free of stigma.  Music with the Clover Point Drifters a local bluegrass band, food, and fifteen local organizations that support community issues like homelessness, addition, mental illness, disability rights, and at risk youth will be in attendance. https://www.facebook.com/StigmaStompDay

Well, well, well — This is the ratings boost BBC Scotland needed! Prince Charles does TV weather in Scotland. (PS, he says “Hell”…hahaha…and you thought he never loosened up)

Yah….Who the hell wrote this…??

Mel Z- Middays on JACK

Galaxy Motors had a visit last week from the Epic Fail Burglar: The culprit came in from one window and stole an old laptop with no value, Ten sets of car keys were also stolen from the office – for cars that are going to the crusher, and Sharpie pens. The staff are pretty upset that their George Foreman Grill that employees used to toast their sandwiches was nabbed however. http://bit.ly/IXYXoI

The BC Government is giving you a chance to vote on which long weekend for the Family Day stat you think is best. May 8^th to May 22^nd, 2012, you can vote if the second or third Monday in February works best for families and the economy. Some of the pro’s & cons: If we have Family Day on the 2^nd Monday in Feb (a  different long weekend than other provinces and the U.S) we’d have less crowds to deal with on this holiday. BC businesses could capitalize on increased traffic over two holiday weekends. 3^rd Monday in February: Align Family Day long weekend and make it easier for families to get together and for businesses to plan. http://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcfamilyday/

In Japan, they can now switch off the AC to save some energy – and slip into a new high-tech bra to keep women cool this summer. In another effort to conserve energy due to nuclear power issues in their country — a Japanese company revealed their new bra with built-in ice packs, a wind chime and a sprig of mint. Triumph Japan had models parading around showing off its “Super Cool Bra”, featuring a bra with cups filled with a gel that remains soft even when frozen, giving the wearer “a cool sensation against her skin”, the company said in a statement. http://bit.ly/Jz0qDI ~Forget brain freeze…I’m predicting that boob freeze will be the next big thing.

Have a cold one…

Mel Z – Middays on JACK