As Diana’s computer has a serious malaise, this message is subject to a brief window of opportunity. Thus, it is short and with none of the usual links to major stories (you will have to do your own homework - but we’ll make it up to you).

With the horrendous weather forecast in view, we will warmly welcome the brave souls who make it through the tempest and its aftermath, but will understand if there are those who prefer to curl up by their firesides (or what/whomever).

Topics will depend on the interests - and knowledge - of those present and may include, but not be limited to:

Alberta election (same old, same old)

Fiscal hurdles may take shine off Stelmach’s runaway win

Stelmach must work to win over oil industry

Ed Stelmach was elected premier of Alberta Monday with a comfortable majority despite angering the province’s oil community by increasing royalties. Industry spokesmen said the Premier will still have to work hard to rebuild trust.

Bank of Canada rate slashing

The Bank of Canada on Tuesday chopped its key overnight lending rate by half a percentage point to 3.5 per cent to prevent U.S. economic weakness from spilling over into this country.

It’s the first time the Bank of Canada has cut its key rate by more than a quarter of a percentage point in more than six years. More

Caucuses & primaries (Ohio, Texas and, oh yes, Rhode Island & Vermont)

Israel-Gaza

Israel’s large-scale incursion into the northern Gaza Strip - dubbed Operation Hot Winter - represents a significant battle in a steadily unfolding war. By occupying two areas in the vicinity of Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun the aim of this brigade-sized raid was to disrupt rocket fire by Palestinian militants and to inflict significant casualties on Hamas’s military wing. For Hamas, the goal was to endure, to fight back, and to maintain the rocket fire into southern Israel. More

and on through the alphabet to

Russia/Ukraine - EU & natural gas

Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has cut supplies of gas to Ukraine again, and said further cuts may follow in the wake of a dispute over debts. More

Fortunately, we rely on GazMet and not Gazprom, so a very warm welcome awaits all hardy souls and their faithful sled dogs.