By: Wayne Litke

When is it politically correct to expose the shortcomings of another individual? Is it acceptable to open a person’s private life to the public without their approval or consent, especially when unknown secrets could have unforeseen consequences?

These are questions media personnel with a conscience deal with on a regular basis, and then make judgment calls based on the public’s need to be informed.
Be sure, there is a reason I am stating this.
There is a definitive line between an objective story and one that crosses the line and becomes a matter of sensationalism, and unfortunately all too often stories are blown out of proportion by media that do not use ethical standards. Opinion pieces such as columns, editorials, and letters to the editor are allowed more flexibility. However, that flexibility is often abused by reporters and media in order to sensationalize an event and garner attention, and attention is what many individuals and organizations thrive on.
Be very sure, there is a reason I am stating this . . . and it does not apply to the invidual I am about to refer to.
On Tues., Jan. 26 I stepped through a door and immediately knew something was wrong–the balance of the universe was a little out of whack and the smell in the air was my first indication. My second clue was a note on the table.
“Dearest Angela and/or Wayne,”
“Your daughter called while you were out . . . which was good because she explained to me how to turn off your space-age stove.
P.S.–I burned my bacon, so if it smells like burned bacon in here, that’s why.
-Marcia”
The explanation was not necessary, and neither was a respirator since the smoke had largely dissipated by the time I arrived. Her note included a sad face symbol [:(] with a tear, so I knew she was obviously disturbed or embarassed, or both.
Marcia is “that new girl”,  the new reporter at the newspaper office, and she was given that handle by my daughter before Amanda knew her name. For those residents who have not yet met the young lady, she pronounces her name: Mar-see-ah (which caused me a lot of grief for the first couple of days that she stayed with us). Despite her young age, Marcia is objective and very professional. It appears like she writes better than she cooks at this point in time, but what I failed to state is I had jokingly placed a fire extinguisher by the stove before I gave Marcia free range of the kitchen and then left. Little did I realize that the extinguisher may actually be a prerequisite to supper.
To be totally honest, it wasn’t the first hot action that has occurred in our kitchen. When Angela and I were first married, she inadvertently caught her shirt on fire while cooking supper. She was a hot babe, and the addition of flames licking up the front of her shirt made her even hotter. Her yells for help attracted the attention of her husband who smothered the flames and spared her injury. It was gallant effort, if I say so myself.
I think all three of our children also had a turn at filling the air with the acrid smell of burned potatoes and hot metal.
Getting back to “that new girl,” she is like a daughter, and was presented with a western gift that was most appropriate: a gunbelt that had the six-shooter replaced with a fire extinguisher. She was asked to pose for a photo, but declined. The informal presentation included instruction on the correct use of a fire extinguisher, a quiz, and a certificate to prove she could competently wield an extinguisher in an emergency situation.
I am glad she has a well developed sense of humour and trust she enjoys her nicknames: bacon burner, pyro and new girl.  I hope she realizes I was not joking when I mentioned the importance of redeeming herself with a tasty meatloaf or barbecued steak. Stay tuned and don’t hesitate to contact Mar-see-ah if you have a story idea, concern or cooking tip (work: 662-4121 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).