WHEN THE REALITY TV SHOW SURVIVOR FIRST burst onto my tube in 2000, I was immediately hooked. The combination of the personalities of the contestants, the athleticism of the challenges, and the strategy of the game itself was enthralling to me and I have never missed an episode of Survivor in its 25 complete seasons since. (Yes, for those of you who haven’t been following the show, there have been 25 seasons!)

Bringing us to the world through song

The ground in Fort McMurray is fertile. Not in a traditional sense, of course, as it is difficult to grow much when snow covers the ground for three quarters of the year.

For songwriters, however, Fort McMurray is fertile ground with inspiration all around them.

Perhaps the band that most taps into the heart of growing up in Fort McMurray is The Rural Alberta Advantage.

Good Cop: Time for a municipal name change?

WhatÕs in a name? Apparently quite a bit if you ask the fine folks that attended the Community Image Summit at Keyano College.

Thing is, I agree with them. At most, the Regional Muncipality of Wood Buffalo should undergo a name change as soon as possible and at the least, itÕs something that should be seriously considered by the community.

SO, AM I A TOWNIE YET?

A guide to becoming a true McMurrayite

I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN FORT MCMURRAY FOR SEVEN AND a half years. Sometimes I joke that I am now technically a “townie.” This usually gets a chuckle from people, except actual townies who don’t seem to find it humorous at all.

For the most part, we are from somewhere other than Fort McMurray. I believe that is the reason we have such a friendly city, because everyone is from somewhere else. We all have fewer people to rely on so we have to rely on each other.

Good Cop: Construction in Fort McMurray

We’ve all been there. It’s 6:37 a.m., and you’re headed down Confederation Way for another day at work. In most cities, this would be smooth sailing. A no-brainer. Done deal.

Fort McMurray isn’t a regular city, though. That’s right. It’s down to one lane because of construction, and if you haven’t spent much time in Eagle Ridge, you’re about to get to know it pretty well.