RedBlack Friday Causes Confusion For Bargain Seekers

By: Rob Attrell

Black Friday has its roots in American Thanksgiving sales, but many Ottawa businesses will be offering major discounts this weekend as well. The Ottawa RedBlacks got their name from Ottawa’s previous CFL team’s colours, Red and Black.

With the RedBlacks capturing a spot in this year’s Grey Cup on Sunday, there has been a lot of confusion as to what customers and fans can expect to find while they’re out today. The city has declared today to be “RedBlack Friday”, with restaurants and bars in the Glebe and Old Ottawa South offering specials through this weekend as Grey Cup hype builds.

Businesses in the area are understandably having some difficulty explaining deals to staff and customers. Jared McDonough, a manager at Crust and Crate at Lansdowne, arrived to work early this morning to find over 150 people lined up expecting door crasher sales. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. “I think they might not realize this isn’t Crate and Barrel. We advertised drink specials as a part of RedBlack Friday, but I never would have expected this.”

By later today this confusion should all be sorted out, but it may happen all over again if the RedBlacks are able to win on Sunday. Kettleman’s has already said it plans to offer discounts and special deals on Monday if Henry “Cyber” Burris wins Grey Cup MVP.

#80 - Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey re-joined us this week, making him our first official repeat guest (and well deserving of that title). We dicussed the upcoming release of his new book, The Productivity Project, coming out in January. We also got deep into discussion about working effectively and being productive.

We also have a galley proof (limited edition pre-release) of his book to give away to one of our lucky listeners. All you have to do to enter is tell us your favourite word, on any social network, as long as we can see it (you'll have to tag us), and you'll be entered in the draw. If you're using Twitter, be sure to tag us (@ottawhatpodcast) and Chris (@wigglechicken) in the Tweet! Good luck!

BREW DONKEY CONTEST (Week 4):
We're running a contest this week in partnership with Brew Donkey, where each week you can enter to win a free Brew Donkey brewery tour ticket. Find out right now how you can enter at ottawhatpodcast.com/brewdonkey! It's so easy to enter, why wouldn't you?

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Sponsor -
This episode is also brought to you in part by Audible.com. Visit audibletrial.com/ottawhat today and get a free audiobook and free 30-day trial, and feel good in helping support the show.

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Links:
A Life of Productivity
Pre-order Chris' book!

Beverage:

Listen to enter our Brew Donkey contest! (Opening at 12 PM Eastern)

Rideau Canal to Try for New World Record: Deadliest Skating Rink

By: Keegan On

For decades, Ottawa’s Rideau Canal enjoyed the title of “World’s Longest Outdoor Skating Rink”. In 2008, however, this glory was lost to a river in Winnipeg, and the Canal has struggled to remain relevant as a tourist attraction ever since. Yesterday, the National Capital Commission announced plans to revitalize the once great stretch of ice.

“This winter, the Rideau Canal will make an attempt at the Guinness World Record for ‘Deadliest Outdoor Skating Rink’. The National Capital Commission as well as the City of Ottawa look forward to working together to accomplish this goal” announced Alison Camonbur, a spokesperson for the NCC.

Although the project is still in the early planning phase, some details have already been set. The National Capital Commission have stated that maintenance schedules will remain unchanged from last season, but instead of fixing potholes and clearing snow, they will be in charge of creating hazards on the ice. “The ice will be thinned in strategic spots, lighting will be severely reduced at night, and we will do our best to ensure that the surface of the Canal remains as uneven as possible.” Camonbur explains, “In addition, our volunteer medics will no longer patrol the skateway, and access will be reduced to a single point at each end. Injured skaters will have to drag themselves up to 4 km to escape. I think we really have a shot at this record.”

Woman Lives in Sandy Hill for Month, for Charity

By: Keegan On

Rowdy students roaming the streets, shady characters lurking in alleys, and street parking only: behold Sandy Hill. The neighbourhood has a rough reputation, yet one local woman is spending a month living there voluntarily.

Rachel Ayan left her 3 bedroom house in Old Barrhaven, her husband, and son to live in Sandy Hill for November.

“It’s prostate cancer awareness month,” Ayan explains, “I wanted to raise money for the cause, but I knew that in order to get people to donate, I had to do something unpleasant. I considered running a marathon, but that’s too easy. I was driving through Sandy Hill one day, and it hit me: What’s worse than living here?”

Mrs. Ayan claims that she has trouble sleeping at night due to the sirens and the shouts of drunken pedestrians. In addition, her bike has been stolen twice since she moved into her temporary apartment.

“It’s for a good cause,” she smiles, “I hope I inspire others to raise money in a similar fashion. Someone tweeted at me yesterday that they are going to live in Hull for a week to benefit the homeless.”

Trudeau Pledges to Update Peace Tower Clock to Digital

By: Keegan On

“Because it’s 2015.” Prime Minister Trudeau’s response to a question about why he had so many female cabinet ministers resonated with Canadians. These three words encapsulate the tone that the Liberal Government is working hard to set, one of “real change”. Among these changes are aggressively progressive promises such as electoral reform and legalizing marijuana, and this morning Mr. Trudeau added another to his list.

“Canadians are tired of business as usual. We are coming into a golden age of enlightened thinking, of openness, and diversity. Our lives are becoming busier and moving faster. It is time that our parliament reflect these changes. That is why my government has committed to spending six million dollars to update the Peace Tower clock from analog to digital. No longer will Canadians be forced to figure out what time it is on the Hill. Gone will be the days of trying to figure out which is the long hand, and wondering if there is a second hand on the clock. The digitization of the Peace Tower clock will ensure that Canadians across the country will be able to quickly and effectively tell the time.”

While public opinion about the announcement was positive, experts have questions about how the plan will be implemented. The Liberals have not released details on the renovations, but have stated that they will involve hard work, dozens of new jobs, and a “significant amount of horse urine”.

#79 - Mayor Jim Watson

It's a huge week for Ottawhat; we sat down with our Mayor, Jim Watson! We discussed his history in the public service, some of what life is like in his world, and a few of the things Ottawa is facing over the next couple of years. His Worship also trolled us hard about waiting so long to have him on the show.

CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT (Week 3):
We're running a contest this week in partnership with Brew Donkey, where each week you can enter to win a free Brew Donkey brewery tour ticket. Find out right now how you can enter at ottawhatpodcast.com/brewdonkey! It's so easy to enter, why wouldn't you?

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Sponsor -
This episode is brought to you in part by Lunch Box Ottawa. If you're looking for an exciting lunch option delivered straight to your workplace, send an order through their website or download the App for iOS or Android. Order a lunch today and they'll take the time, so you don't have to!

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Links:
Ottawa2017.ca

Beer:

Listen to enter our contest!

Popeye's is 'World's Best Chicken', uOttawa Study Finds

By: Rob Attrell

Fried chicken is beloved by nearly everyone, but it’s not all created equal. While some prefer the 11 herbs and spices of KFC, others prefer the simpler flavour palate of the humble McNugget. Since the opening of the new Popeye’s restaurant in Gloucester, the debate over which chicken is the best has reached a fever pitch in Ottawa.

In a groundbreaking study from the University of Ottawa undertaken this fall, it has been demonstrably proven that given all the options around the city, and in the world, Popeye’s was ultimately ranked as the best fried chicken. Using metrics such as taste, aroma, umami, addictiveness, and many others to come to its conclusions, this study will hopefully put the fierce debate to bed.

The study was conducted by emeritus professor Davis Sweepes of the University of Ottawa, and consisted of visits to every fried chicken establishment in the city. Dr. Sweepes sampled each restaurant’s offering in his office in total isolation, including the new Popeye’s, before coming to the study’s conclusions.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results of this study,” Davis said upon submitting his research to Science, adding, “I’m just glad the University had money to fund this vital research. I see myself as a pioneer in the food science world.” Representatives from Union Local 613 will reportedly be filing a follow-up paper refuting Dr. Sweepes claims.

Four Hospitalized at Bytown Museum After Contracting “Severe Boredom”

By: Keegan On

A family of four was rushed to hospital this past weekend, suffering from severe boredom. Daren and Nour Karonic, of Toronto, brought their two children to Ottawa for vacation, and had been sight seeing since Thursday of last week. After visiting landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and the Byward Market, the family decided to take a trip off the beaten path to the quaint Bytown Museum, where tragedy struck.

“I think they were expecting more” says Nancy Ming, a local resident who was at the museum during the incident, “When they arrived they seemed confused, as if they couldn’t believe that the tiny building was a museum. They kept asking the staff to direct them to the rest of the exhibits”. Ms. Ming expressed her sympathy for the family, especially the children. “After being shown the 14th piece of wooden cutlery, their little boy snapped. He just couldn’t take it. His sister went soon after, and I think the parents went down about half an hour after that”.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that safety concerns have been raised at the museum. This past summer, over a dozen people contracted severe boredom while visiting the museum. Last fall, a class of 32 children was hospitalized after their trip to the Bytown Museum. The Karonic family is said to be in serious but stable condition, but could not be reached for a statement.

Kanata Votes to Secede From Ottawa

By: Keegan On

Residents of Kanata are celebrating this week after voting to separate from Ottawa. The vote took place on Tuesday, and saw 73% of participants vote in favour of seceding from our nation's capital. John Bailey, the management consultant who led the movement, explains why Kanata felt the need for independence.

“We have a population of nearly 100 000 people, major shopping centres, and a strong sense of local culture. You won’t find a more united, homogeneous community anywhere else in Canada. It was only natural that we become our own city. I look forward to representing Kanata as well as working closely with Mayor Watson to ensure harmony between our two great cities".

While the vote is certainly an exciting step for Kanata, a number of logistical questions remain. Bailey has proposed that a City Hall be erected within Kanata Centrum, the popular shopping centre. It is unclear if municipal services, such as public transit and garbage collection, will continue to be supplied by Ottawa, or simply be discontinued immediately. Finally, sports fans wonder what will happen to the Ottawa Senators, who will almost certainly will be forced to move from their Kanata arena, the Canadian Tire Centre.

It's unclear at this time if Nepean, Orleans, Gloucester, Vanier, and Cumberland will follow in Kanata's footsteps, but at least one thing is clear. Despite the uncertainty, residents are excited about finally having their independence. “This is a great step towards developing a strong Kanata identity. We love the suburbs, hate mosquitos, and are proud to be Kanatians.”

#78 - Ours is the Fury Podcast (Jon Eden & Ryan Shannon)

We had podcasters and big-time Ottawa Fury supporters Jon Eden and Ryan Shannon on this week. We discussed the Ottawa Fury's big championship game coming up in New York this weekend, soccer culture in Canada, and what real soccer fans do around Ottawa when they're not supporting their team.

SPECIAL RE-ANNOUNCEMENT (Week 2):
We're running a contest this week in partnership with Brew Donkey, where each week you can enter to win a free Brew Donkey brewery tour ticket. Find out right now how you can enter at ottawhatpodcast.com/brewdonkey! It's so easy to enter, why wouldn't you?

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Sponsor -
This episode is also brought to you in part by Audible.com. Visit audibletrial.com/ottawhat today and get a free audiobook and free 30-day trial, and feel good in helping support the show.

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Links:
Ours Is The Fury Podcast
@OITFury on Twitter
Red Nation Online

Beer:

French Press Vanilla Stout - Double Trouble Brewing Co.

Cab Driver Goes Undercover into Uber, Stays

By: Keegan On

As the Taxi/ Uber war rages on in Ottawa and other cities across Canada, soldiers from both sides find themselves entangled in the conflict. After seeing videos of other cabbies harassing Uber drivers, local cab driver Ahmed Mousai decided to take it to the next level.

"I thought to myself, anyone can take a video of an Uber driver, but what if someone became an Uber driver and worked to destroy it from the inside? That is what caused me to act." Mousai applied to become a driver, passed his police check, installed the app, and started driving. "I was first surprised by how easy it was. I didn’t have to buy or rent a cab licence. I didn’t have to pay to go pick up at the airport or hotels. It was all so simple: people needed to be picked up, so I went to get them."

After a month driving for Uber, Mousai made the decision to stay with the company. "I started thinking, why take Uber down? Passengers are friendly. I make more money. I go where I want, when I want. I have no quotas, no restrictions, I just drive."

Bier Markt Bartender Fired for Wearing "Uniform"

By: Keegan On

The popular Bier Markt franchise came under fire this week, after it attempted to force employees to wear short, skimpy dresses as part of a company uniform. Activists claimed that the company was infringing on the human rights of its employees by instituting the mandatory outfits. Additionally, many Bier Markt staffers complained about the changes, arguing that the bar was attempting to sexualize them. However, not all employees were upset with the dress code.

“I thought the dresses were comfortable and sleek” says Peter Hayes, who has been a bartender at Bier Markt for over a year, “It gets hot being stuck behind that bar, so when I heard that they were assigning these tiny uniforms, I was stoked.”

Mr. Hayes claims that he was denied a dress when he asked to be issued one by his manager. He eventually received an outfit from a coworker, but was asked to remove it minutes after putting it on. Mr. Hayes refused to change his outfit for two shifts before he was let go. “I was an employee, and the memo said that employees had to wear the dress. Bier Markt is sending mixed messages.”. Mr. Hayes is suing the company for wrongful dismissal.

#77 - Poppa Bean Coffee

Paul Foster from Poppa Bean Coffee came on the show this week. We talked about the making of coffee, beer, and maple syrup, and some of the greatest activities in Ottawa, like farmer's markets, shawarma and watching football.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
We're also starting a contest this week in partnership with Brew Donkey, where each week you can enter to win a free Brew Donkey brewery tour ticket. Find out right now how you can enter at ottawhatpodcast.com/brewdonkey! It won't always be as easy to enter as it is this week!

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Sponsor -
This episode is also brought to you in part by Audible.com. Visit audibletrial.com/ottawhat today and get a free audiobook and free 30-day trial, and feel good in helping support the show.

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Links:
poppabean.ca
gfmottawa.ca

cumberlandfarmersmarket.ca
metcalfefm.com
ottawafarmersmarket.ca

Beer:

Boghopper - from Beau's Oktoberfest Mix Pack

Kent Street Bridge Replacement Displaces Family of Trolls

By: Keegan On

Ottawans rejoiced this week as the Kent Street section of the 417 Queensway was replaced at the end of October, as promised. While the news comes as relief to many, others have been devastated by the concise construction.

"We’ve lived under that bridge for the past 9 years" sobbed Grak, a local troll who woke up that morning to the sound of jackhammers. "My girlfriend and I don’t have cable, we had no idea this was happening." The family narrowly escaped the construction, and has lodged a complaint with the City. They have not received word back yet.

Grak, Mong, and their two daughters are now homeless, and have no family in Ottawa to rely on. They now must find a new place to live. "With housing prices being what they are, we can’t afford to live anywhere else. That bridge was all that we could afford. I’m a floor manager at a call centre, and Mong is on disability because of her hystrollectomy. With our financial situation, we may have to move to Renfrew."

Cougar Sightings on the Rise Around Ottawa

By: Keegan On

Ottawa Police are warning residents to remain vigilant as they investigate reports of several cougar sightings from this past weekend. The city received multiple calls on Friday and Saturday night, reporting that cougars were seen outside establishments such as Crazyhorse in Kanata, and Maxwell’s on Elgin Street.

"People should absolutely be careful" says Nick Reynolds, a biology professor from the Carleton University, "Cougars are wild, unpredictable creatures. They are nocturnal predators who look for loud, densely populated places to hunt. For your own safety, you should stay away from these types of places, and avoid products like Axe body spray, trucker hats, or anything that says "YOLO" on it."

While no victims have been confirmed, Ottawa Police are looking for assistance in their investigation. Anyone who has seen or been approached by a cougar is asked to contact cougarwatch@ottawa.ca.