Good Talk -- Playing Hardball and Pointing Fingers.

If this week has proven anything its that Bridge listeners are book readers. Big-time book readers. In one case, twenty books a month! We asked you about books, what they mean, and what they've meant to your life, and you responded with lots of comments. Also today, the Random Ranter gets his say on the Alberta referendum, and he doesn't hold back.

It's a Wednesday End Bits special, and while we have some great AI stories to tell you, including how AI may help you vote, that's not the big one. The NY Times has a fascinating piece titled 100 Questions that can't be answered -- yet. We'll review some of them.

The votes are still being counted, but it's clear Albertans, in large numbers, favour remaining in Canada over a second referendum on separation. But on the nine other questions, it's also clear that many Albertans want change in how the country operates. Althia Raj and Rob Russo discuss how Ottawa is likely to respond to what some might argue is a mixed message.

This could become a weekly series. Dr. Janice Stein again this week talks about how Russian leader Vladimir Putin somehow convinces Donald Trump to waive sanctions against his country. Allies are outraged, and so are, finally, some of Trump's Republican colleagues. We'll deal with that, plus what's behind the widespread riots in France.

The referendum about referendums is just days away in Alberta, and Mark Carney is pulling out all the stops. There are ten questions on the ballot, not just one, and the results could have a big impact not just on Alberta, but on Canada as well. Bruce and Chantal with their thoughts on that, plus the latest shot from the ever thoughtful US Ambassador to Canada.