SHIRLEY NEWHOOK
The Telegram

What have they done to The National ... and, how much of it will affect regional and local programming? So far, Debbie and Jonathan are still sitting, so I guess that's a good sign. All the national people are delivering their "transparent" news standing up instead of sitting behind their desks; most don't look very comfortable with it.

The recent "new look" of the CBC news is frantic, with ever-moving graphics and news clips that distract the viewer from what the presenter (announcer) has to say. Besides that, they've added little boxes at the bottom of the screen that include weather information, promos and the CBC's "exploding pizza" logo. Everything is delivered faster, louder and in brighter colours!

Perhaps I'm set in my ways - a confirmed news junkie who prefers a less aggressive delivery of my evening newscast. And, I'm not alone. As one woman commented, "I'm under 30, but I like my news slow."

Big business

According to the owner of Malibar's (Toronto's largest supplier of costumes), more than $50 million is spent annually on Halloween in Canada.

What was most popular this year? With the ongoing popularity of the "Twilight" series and the "Vampire Diaries," one outlet sold more than 300 sets of vampire fangs. Runner-up was a pig mask influenced by the H1N1. It was probably the fear of the flu that kept door-to-door numbers way down this year.

Countdown to Olympics

The eyes of the world will be on St. John's next Friday for the arrival of the Olympic Flame as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch Relay. Mayor Dennis O'Keefe is "expecting a big turnout for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Olympic Flame here in our community."

A two-hour celebration (from 5-7 p.m.) will take place in Bowring Park. The recently named community torchbearer, Dr. Patrick Parfrey, will have the honour of lighting the community cauldron during the celebrations. Parfrey, a research professor at Memorial University and officer of the Order of Canada, was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 2009 and holds many other awards. But in the sports community, he is best known as the coach of The Rock rugby team.

Male singers alert

The Anchormen Barbershop Chorus has about 40 active singers, but they're always looking for new members. If you like to sing "the old songs" as well as the new, you can join them every Monday evening in Rehearsal Room B downstairs at the Arts and Culture Centre.

They'll be on stage Saturday night in "It's A Good Day," their 34th annual concert. Special guests include: Newfound Sound (ladies barbershop) plus a newly formed sextet and The Walsh Family. Show time is 8 p.m. For tickets: 729-3900.

MNL in Gander

Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador president Graham Letto will welcome more than 700 delegates, guests and sponsors to this weekend's annual meeting. The opening night speaker is T.A. Loeffler; who has received international recognition for her innovative teaching.

Among the topics to be debated at this year's AGM will be "to revisit the issue of a tie in municipal elections."

One of the most popular features of the convention is the Tidy Towns Awards ceremony. There will be 52 communities vying for top honours in seven population categories.

Busy weekend

The Cook Recital Hall plays host to two concerts this week. You can catch The Scruncheons and the MUN Brass Ensemble tonight and The French Connection tomorrow night, with soprano Jane Leibel, clarinetist Paul Bendzsa and pianist Maureen Volk.

They both begin at 8 p.m.

Women and film

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is inviting the public and prospective members to a lecture by Noreen Golfman, dean of graduate studies at MUN. She'll speak on "Women's Experiences in Film." That's Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Room 4065 at the Alexander Murray Building on MUN campus. Inquiries: 754-9172.

The Hectic Pace returns next Friday. If you love flea markets, check out The Gathering Place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (that's at 172 Military Rd.).